There is a dangerous argument doing the rounds that our cash-strapped Government would be better off channelling whatever cash it has left into refurbishing our existing housing stock rather than pursuing grand projects.
The view carries merit because housing investment creates more jobs, will save energy and should wins votes.
All good reasons it seems for focusing on domestic building. But it would be dangerously short-sighted to do this at the expense of major infrastructure projects.
Consider details of the expanding ripple of work emanating from the London 2012 Olympics. This brings to the surface some tangible evidence showing why major infrastructure projects are so vital to the UK construction industry.
So far more than 1,500 construction firms have directly picked up orders and more than 7,000 workers and engineers are at work.
The only thing that can be said to set the 2012 Olympics apart from other big infrastructure projects is the fact that somebody has taken the time to measure the positives.
Similar orders radiate from projects like Crossrail and the London Underground upgrade. In this week's article, the Case for Construction, both projects are expected to harness an extra £24bn in wider economic benefits. Even setting this gigantic sum aside, the direct impact of procurement spend alone - estimated at some £25bn - will reach firms and create jobs in UK regions far beyond the capital.
These are doom-laden times and major projects counteract the gloom. They exert their own power and ability to excite young people, they inspire us to develop new technologies and raise confidence throughout the economy.
That's why they should be viewed as an abosolute priority.
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