Mission Statement
Construction Industry Federation
Delivering on the built environment through partnership and innovation
The Construction Industry Federation is the Irish construction sector’s representative body. We provide a broad range of services that support companies of all sizes across construction in navigating the political, business, economic and regulatory environment.
Our services cross the full business spectrum and include recruitment and training, legal and industrial relations support, health and safety, marketing and industrial intelligence reports, engagement with Government, statutory and other industry bodies, and regular updates on all issues affecting the construction industry.
We are a member-led organisation through our 34-member Executive Committee. Our branches and associations appoint all members of the Executive Committee as well as other policy groups. The Executive Committee directs our team of executives, subject matter experts and support staff in pursuing the objectives of the construction sector.
Taking leadership from our Executive Committee, we work to progressively raise standards in construction competence, health and safety, product quality, innovation and cost efficiency, while ensuring that regulation is smart, targeted and effective.
All services are provided on a national and regional basis from offices in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
Our key areas of focus include advising members and shaping policy across public sector procurement contracts, home building, policies and procedures, public capital spending programmes, developing thriving regions, improving access to finance for SMEs, ensuring there are adequate skills to support growth, building public understanding of construction as a contributor to Ireland’s economy, resolving payment disputes and delivering training across the sector.
We also provide expert retirement planning for construction professionals through CPAS, the construction workers pension scheme, to assist members of the construction sector in planning for the future.
Since 2014, the Construction Industry Federation has led on Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI), the official register of competent builders, contractors, specialist sub-contractors and tradespeople who are providers of building works.
The Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 was enacted and signed into law by the President on 5 July 2022. As a result of the Act, a new statutory register, CIRI, is in development, making it mandatory for all providers of building works to be registered.
In early 2023, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage appointed the Construction Industry Federation as the CIRI Registration Body. An Admissions and Registration Board was established by the CIF in late 2023, including appointments by the Minister, and a Registrar was appointed in January 2024.
Our values
Progressive
We promote a progressive construction industry
CIF is committed to supporting our members to embrace innovative ways of delivering the built environment. We collaborate with our members to lead change in the Irish construction sector. We work with industry to deliver adoption of new technologies, embracing modern methods of construction, and meeting the challenges of climate change and the need to improve sustainability.
Empowerment
We serve to empower our members
CIF works to empower our members, representing and advocating with government, policymakers, and other key stakeholders, listening to our members, drawing on their real time experience and challenges faced, and working together to build a resilient, innovative and sustainable industry, giving our members the power to achieve incredible things.
Safety
We are building a stronger safer construction industry
We lead the drive for excellence in safety standards across the industry and support our members to build healthy, safe and productive workplaces.
Sustainability
We lead and embrace sustainability
CIF is working with our members to deliver a new, more sustainable way to live in Ireland. We work side by side with our members to drive sustainable business practices and lower the impacts of the industry on the environment. From decarbonisation and modern methods of construction to inclusive community building and sustainable placemaking, we are working towards a future where everyone can thrive.
Respect
We are a unified team with shared goals, and a valued partner to our members, stakeholders and our people. We are committed to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion
We always show respect and treat people fairly. We are open and honest in our dealings. Our power lies in our unity, our strength in influencing change comes from the strong relationships we build. Understanding and listening allows us represent with strength and commitment.
Leadership
We exhibit professional leadership
We use our position as the voice of the Construction Industry to adopt a strong leadership role, identifying current and future issues for our members and engaging with stakeholders to deliver policy change and ensure best outcomes for our members. We seek to inspire and motivate our people, who are at the heart of what we do.
Other services
Voluntary Construction Register (VCR)
The Voluntary Construction Register (VCR) is a definitive listing of main contractors and sub-contractors operating under CIF’s voluntary register, which details contractors competent to carry out works on behalf of public and private clients.
Pensions and financial advice
CPAS administers the Construction Workers’ Pension Scheme (CWPS), Construction Executive Retirement Savings (CERS) and the Construction Industry Retirement Trust (CIRT) on behalf of each of their Trustee Boards. CPAS has its own subsidiary company, Milestone Advisory DAC, which was established to bring expert, impartial financial advice to members of the construction and related industries.