Ireland needs more homes and better infrastructure, says taoiseach

The Irish prime minister has said a shortage of homes and a need to invest in Ireland's infrastructure risks being a "drag" on its competitiveness, as the country attempts to lure more foreign investment.

- Lisa O'Carroll

Simon Harris, the taoiseach, said it was time to "cut through bureaucracy and other things that stifle the delivery" of infrastructure, at a US-Ireland summit at the American ambassador's residence in Dublin.

A clutch of large US companies, including Apple, Microsoft and Intel, have operations in Ireland and account for 70% of its direct investment. But increased competition from other EU countries and Asia is fuelling fears that the country's long-term economic future could be imperilled if technology and pharmaceutical companies relocate.