Construction companies and sole traders can now apply to join the new register for the construction industry.

The Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) is being set up to help distinguish competent, experienced construction companies and sole traders from those who have given the construction industry a bad name.

To apply to join the register construction companies or sole traders can do so online via the CIRI website – www.ciri.ie

The register is being established by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), following a request by the Government. It will be available to the public from 1st March 2014 and is expected to be placed on a statutory footing from 2015.

Before the register no way existed for the public or Irish businesses to check on the credentials of a construction company or sole trader. This resulted in some poor examples of construction work which have reflected badly on the entire construction industry and have impacted on the public and Irish businesses.

Construction companies of all types and sizes can apply to join CIRI, so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. This means CIRI will cover everything from large contractors and builders to small sub contractors and specialists. All the various varieties of specialization will also be covered - from house builders to plasterers and from road builders to plumbing specialists.

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To ensure all those listed on the register are competent and experienced, strict eligibility requirements have been put in place. Any construction companies or sole traders who wish to join the register must meet the following criteria:

• They must adhere to an industry code of ethics and obligations.

• Demonstrate that they have construction competence and experience.

• They must be tax compliant.

• Commit to undertaking continuing professional development.

• Comply with construction health and safety regulations.

• Show they have the relevant insurance policies in place.

• Obey all the latest building standards and regulations.

• Attend a CIRI induction course.

CIF Director General Tom Parlon said: "As everyone is aware there has been a problem with certain builders and construction companies giving the entire industry a bad name. At the moment anyone regardless of their experience and competence can pass themselves off as a builder or as any other form of construction operative. That has unfortunately led to some poor construction work being carried out.

"We want to help promote the work of competent, experienced construction companies and sole traders. That is why the new register, CIRI, is being set up. CIRI will provide a vetted means of seeing which companies and sole traders are competent and experienced. For the first time there will be a means of separating out legitimate, experienced operators from the rest.

"We would urge any competent and experienced construction companies or sole traders to apply to join CIRI so they can be listed on the register and to ensure they stand out from those who do not meet the proper standards.

"Under the code of practice for the new building regulations which will come into effect on the 1st March, anyone listed on CIRI will be deemed a competent builder or construction company/ sole trader. This has led to a strong level of interest throughout the country from construction companies and sole traders.

"We believe this is a very positive step for the construction industry in this country. We would encourage the many competent and experienced construction companies and sole traders from to apply to the join the register and help us to start improving standards throughout the industry," Mr Parlon concluded.