CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY REGISTER IRELAND (CIRI) UP AND RUNNING

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY REGISTER IRELAND (CIRI) UP AND RUNNING

By Ruth Baily

CIRI, the Construction Industry Register Ireland was launched yesterday by the Minster for the Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan TD. CIRI is currently a voluntary register for all members of the construction and building industry covering 39 disciplines in all, however the Government has committed to bringing forward the Heads of Bill by the end of 2014 to place CIRI on a statuary footing in 2015.

Those who apply to register on CIRI have to pass stringent vetting process to ensure that high standards are set and met across the industry. This will offer a high level of comfort to those employing contractors from the register. Along with demonstrating that they have the appropriate construction competence and experience, registrants must comply with latest building standards and regulations, adhere to an industry Code of Ethics and Obligations, meet all construction industry health and safety standards along with being tax compliant and attend a CIRI induction course.

Registration is not a one off process; companies must apply to the register on an annual basis so there is real protection for the consumer. Along with demonstrating that the company is a “competent builder” and have the requisite experience in the particular field in which they operate members must ensure that they undertake all relevant, continuous professional development (CPD). This is particularly important in an industry where huge innovative and technological strides are taking place. It allows companies to offer best practice to customers both in building and cost terms.

Currently 201 companies have registered with CIRI; these are a mixture of main contractors, sole traders and sub-contractors across the range of disciplines in the industry. A further 565 companies are currently going through the registration process. It is expected that 2000 will be on the register by the end of 2015 when it is likely that the register will be on a statuary basis.

Checking the register is very easy, all of the up to date information is available at www.ciri.ie .