Ireland’s Construction Industry Takes Action to Protect Consumers with Mandatory Contractor Registration in 2025

The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government has now formally appointed the Construction Industry Federation as the registration body for the new Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI).

The Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022 was enacted and signed into law by the president on the 5th of July 2022.

As a result of this act, a new statutory register will be established, making it mandatory for all providers of building works to be registered from 2025 (main contractors and sub-contractors).

This is great news for consumers, builders, contractors, sub-contractors, and tradespersons as it will effectively level the playing field and protect consumers from businesses that are not suitable or do not have the required expertise to operate in the construction industry in Ireland.

Who are the Construction Industry Federation?

The Construction Industry Federation is the Irish construction sector’s representative body. They provide a broad range of services which help businesses of all sizes across the construction industry to navigate the political, business, economic and regulatory environment.

The Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) was established in 2014 by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) in consultation with the Department of the Environment as the definitive listing of main contractors and sub-contractors operating in Ireland that are competent to carry out works on behalf of public and private clients.

Although the Construction Industry Register Ireland was quickly recognized as the primary online resource used by consumers in the public and private procurement of construction services, it was never actually signed into law until July 2022.

What is going to happen to businesses currently registered with the Construction Industry Register Ireland?

In the interest of public transparency and avoidance of confusion, the current voluntary CIRI register which had members since 2014 will now be renamed and known as the “Voluntary Construction Register”.

Each member will be provided with a copy of the new certificate and logos for use under the new Voluntary Construction Register (VCR).

Why is this new Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) necessary?

The new Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) is necessary because it provides a way for the government to ensure that only qualified and competent contractors and sub-contractors are operating in the construction industry. As of January 2022, there were approximately 800 members of the voluntary CIRI, the new statutory register is expected to include over 5,000 members initially.

It was always an excellent opportunity for businesses to increase their visibility and credibility, establish partnerships with other businesses, and acquire new customers. It is unclear why some businesses did not take advantage of the online resource previously, it can only be seen as a positive step for businesses of all sizes in the construction industry.

Hopefully, with this new statutory register signed into law, the Construction Industry Federation will be able to get its message out to more businesses and consumers which will ultimately increase professionalism, accountability, awareness, safety, and trust in the construction industry in Ireland.

How will the Construction Industry Register Ireland deal with complaints and non-compliance?

Currently, the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) has a procedure for handling complaints against registered members. Complaints can be made in writing by completing a Complaint Form and sending it to the Executive Officer of the Admissions and Registration Board.

If a complaint such as providing building services in a category in which the member is not registered is substantiated sanctions may be imposed including suspension or permanent removal from the register.

It is expected that a new statutory Admissions and Registration Board will be appointed by the minister to manage registration, complaints and non-compliance from 2025.

How long will it take the construction industry to adapt to these changes in 2025?

According to the Construction Industry Federation, it will take time to adapt to the changes in 2025. Initial registration will be available for main contractors that are actively involved in building residential and non-residential buildings. Once the main contractors are fully registered it is expected that sub-contractors and the various trades will follow subsequently.

Eligibility for registration can be achieved through qualifications, experience or a combination of both. The criteria required for registration will be clear and transparent and will be set out in regulations.

Once enacted, the statutory register is expected to help develop and promote a culture of competence, good practice and compliance with building regulations. The new measures will also address shadow economic activity in the construction industry and ensure fairer competition for compliant businesses.

How will these changes affect Wastewater Solutions?

Wastewater Solutions have been registered with the voluntary Construction Industry Register Ireland since June 2017. We believed it was the way forward for us because our goal is to be the best in the wastewater industry in Ireland. In order to achieve that goal we have to constantly improve our technical capability, our knowledge of building regulations, and stay up to date with health and safety requirements. As a member of CIRI, we are able to continuously work on our professional development and promote our business alongside some of the best in the country.

Overall, the new statutory Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) will provide a number of benefits for businesses like Wastewater Solutions, including increased professionalism, transparency, and opportunities for growth in the construction industry in Ireland.