Voluntary Construction Register (VCR)
“VCR gives our company the edge over competitors. Customers have peace of mind that they are dealing with a vetted company committed to offering an exceptional quality of work. VCR accreditation helps distinguish builders from those that have given the trade a bad name. “ – Finlay Build Limited, VCR puts the definition of ‘Competent Contractor’ to bed. “As VCR registered Specialist Contractors, membership, we stand out amongst the competition. VCR endorsement means our clients can have confidence that our skills are fully up-to-date and staff continually developing their training. VCR gives us reassurance that when engaged as Specialist Sub-Contracts by VCR registered Main Contractors, we will be treated in an ethical and fair manner.” L Redmond (Electrical) Ltd
Overview
VCR: A Professional Industry Register
The Voluntary Construction Register was established by the CIF in consultation with Department of Housing, Planning, Local Government and Heritage 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. Each company on the Register must meet particular prequalification criteria to qualify for VCR registration. Anyone can access the Register at www.voluntaryconstructionregister.ie to find a contractor, sub-contractor or tradesperson or to check if a company they are considering to contract is on the register.
VCR covers a range of Registration Categories, from Builders and Building Services Contractors to Specialist Contractors.
The overall goal of VCR is to foster improved standards and continuous professional development throughout the Irish construction industry.
What is VCR
The Voluntary Construction Register (VCR) is an official online register of competent builders, contractors, specialist sub-contractors and tradespersons who undertake to carry out construction works. The Register is supported by Government, and its objective is to be recognised as the primary online resource used by consumers in the public and private procurement of construction services.
Why is VCR needed?
VCR was developed in 2014 along with a number of other measures brought in by the Department of Housing, Planning, Local Government and Heritage to strengthen the building control system. VCR was established with the primary objective of assisting users of construction services when selecting a competent and compliant builder, building services contractor or specialist contractor.
The Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 provide for the appointment of competent contractors and builders. The Building Control Bill is designed to put VCR on a statutory footing and thereby provide in law for the registration of builders, building services contractors, and specialist contractors.
How does VCR work for consumers?
Consumers can search on VCR in a number of ways
- Look for a particular member by VCR registration number, company name, or primary contact name
- See what builders, contractors, specialist sub-contractors or tradespersons are registered in their area
- Search from 30+ categories of registration
How do I register my company on VCR?
Contact the VCR office or visit www.voluntaryconstructionregister.ie and complete the online application form. The VCR Office will review your application for completeness before submitting the application for review by the VCR Admissions & Registrations Board.
If approved, your business will be added to the VCR Register and your company will receive its unique VCR Registration Number and a profile on the Live Register. Registration also entitles members to use the VCR logo on stationary, marketing material and websites.
VCR membership is renewed on an annual basis when companies are expected to provide details of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and any changes in relevant circumstances. By registering with VCR, members commit to delivering excellence in every aspect of their work.
The VCR Process
Who administers VCR?
The VCR Board consists of a chairperson and 10 members. The chairperson of the Board is a registered construction professional approved by the Minister of the Housing, Planning, Local Government and Heritage.
Membership of the Board includes:
- Five persons appointed by Government Ministers and Public Sector Agencies
- Two persons who are registered construction professionals
- Three persons who can be registered members of VCR
Key Contacts
Antoinette Fay
CIRI Executive
Antoinette joined CIF in 2016, bringing with her over 15 years of experience. Since 2022, she has held the position of Executive overseeing activities pertaining to the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI). Antoinette is part of the CIRI team and collaborates closely with the Registrar and the Admissions and Registration Board to facilitate the forthcoming statutory CIRI register implementation.
Julie Dobson
CIRI Administrator
Julie Dobson was appointed as an administrator in the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) office in June 2021. She supports members with their annual renewals, assessing applications and updating the database. Julie is working with the CIRI team, Registrar and the Admissions and Registration Board on the implementation of the forthcoming statutory CIRI register. Prior to this role, Julie worked as a Graphics and Brand Advisor in Tullow Oil for 10 years, assisting onsite and international teams with the development of communication resources. She managed the extensive photo library, organising corporate photoshoots and was responsible for choosing key photography for communications materials and projects. Julie also worked in the publishing industry for over 8 years, gaining extensive experience across all aspects of the business, liaising with authors, and collaborating with Sales and Marketing and Editorial teams.