Established in 2014, the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) is an online register of competent trade professionals who carry out construction across Ireland.

To be included on the CIRI register, builders, contractors, specialist sub-contractors and tradespeople need to meet eligibility criteria and annual continuous professional development to remain on the register.

On 12th January 2022, the Irish Government announced draft legislation requiring all residential and non-residential building providers to register with CIRI.

Registration for builders is expected to commence by 2023 and will be a legal requirement for all trades and building providers by 2024.

The legislation aims to benefit consumers and the public by giving those who engage a registered CIRI builder or contractor the assurance that they are dealing with a competent and compliant operator.

The Bill will provide for CIRI to receive complaints against registered builders and a range of proportionate sanctions to be imposed after investigation.

Complaints can also be made against an entity providing building services in a category in which they are not registered.

CIRI registration can be achieved through qualifications, experience or a combination of both. Employees of building firms will not be required to apply, but sole traders will.

The Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2021 can be viewed on the Oireachtas website.