Farm-building contractors will soon be bound by new legislation, and providers of building services will be required to register with Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI). The Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2021 will apply to builders of both residential and non-residential buildings subject to Irish building regulations.
Currently around 800 building and contracting entities are recorded on the register, but according to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), once operational on a statutory footing, it is anticipated that initially at least 5,000 entities will need to register.
Building contractors involved in agricultural construction will come under the scope of the new law if they are constructing structures not exempt under Irish building regulations.
In terms of agricultural buildings, the most relevant exemptions will be single storey glasshouses used solely for agriculture; and single storey buildings not exceeding 300m2 which are used solely for the storage of materials or products, for the accommodation of plant or machinery; or related to the housing, care or management of livestock.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien comments that, “This legislation, promised under Housing for All, will help improve our housing system over the longer term. Everyone should be confident in the knowledge that their homes are built to the highest standards and that any professional services they use are also of a certain standard.”
Employees of building firms will not be required to register, but sole traders will.
For more information on building regulations and exemptions refer to the electronic Irish Statute Book.
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