The Irish construction industry may be overheating, quantity surveyors Patterson Kempster and Shortfall has warned. In its annual review, published yesterday, the surveyors cite neglect and complacency in the training of apprentices, as well as the failure to face up to structural changes within the industry, as the reasons for the current situation of demand far exceeding supply.

Mr Michael Webb, managing partner of PKS, warned that the continuing high level of growth, where building costs have risen at a higher rate than inflation, or about 10 per cent, will highlight the skills shortages and delays. Over the long term, this may limit the potential growth of the industry, he added.