It is with thanks to Fergal Quinn that payment provisions are in place in the Construction industry

On the 19th May, 2010, Independent Senator Feargal Quinn introduced the Construction Contracts Bill to the Seanad as a private members’ Bill. The purpose of the Bill was to introduce a payment mechanism and greater protection to contractors, particularly subcontractors in the construction industry.

The Bill received Government support and Senator Quinn championed the course of the Bill through to its implementation on 25 th July 2016.

At the time, Senator Quinn stated that the impact of the Construction Contracts Act would be hugely valuable to those working in the construction industry and the Act would focus on the issue of the non-payment of contractors and subcontractors in the construction sector.

On the momentous day of the Act’s implementation, Senator Quinn stated:

“For me as a legislator this is a proud day. This Bill has become law against the odds. This legislation has taken almost six years to become law. I initiated many Bills during my time in the Seanad and to see this one become law just as my time as a Senator is coming to an end is very fitting.”

Since its implementation in 2016, there has been a gradual cultural change with the Act providing for the mechanism of interim payments every thirty days and thus reducing a contractor’s exposure to non-payment. The Act also introduced a new mechanism for the swift process of adjudication to resolve payment disputes.

Feargal Quinn understood the plight of the subcontractor and we owe him our sincere thanks in implementing this ground-breaking legislation.

Thank you Feargal Quinn

Gillian Ross
Executive – Specialist Contracting