A report shows the construction industry has fewer workers now than during the Celtic-tiger era.
Construction companies in the midlands are struggling to recruit, due to a lack of housing.
Mullingar Chamber's comments come as a report from the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council shows construction is the only sector with fewer workers now than during the Celtic-tiger era.
The Chamber says supply is picking up in towns like Mullingar, where they could be as many as 1,000 homes due to issue a commencement notice, but it's not quick enough.
Its Spokesperson on Economic Development, Investment and Tourism, John Geoghegan, says it's not a new problem: