The Register contains two lists: the list of Main Contractors and the list of Specialist Contractors.
A company applies either as a main contractor or as a specialist contractor. If a company wishes to appear on both lists, two applications are required (although reference to documentation provided in another application is accepted, separate application form and project reference forms are necessary).
Main Contractors are capable of taking on any type of heritage work. They must demonstrate experience across the different categories. Main Contractors will generally use Specialist Contractors for the execution of the work.
Specialist Contractors are capable of executing projects in the category in which they are registered. If they are registered in the sub category ‘general’, they can undertake any project, which falls within the category.
The Register uses general and heritage contracting specific requirements.
Both Main Contractors and Specialist Contractors must satisfy all general requirements.
The heritage contracting specific requirements differ for Main Contractors and Specialist Contractors.
The general requirements for Main Contractors and Specialist Contractors are:
The applicant is a bona fide firm, carrying out construction activities under a given business name.
The applicant has not suspended its business activities, is not the subject of insolvency proceedings, is not bankrupt or in an analogous situation, arising from insolvency proceedings.
The applicant has fulfilled its obligations relating to the payment of taxes and PRSI (or equivalent Social Security contributions).
The applicant has appropriate insurances.
The applicant is committed to the appropriate Building Control and Health and Safety standards.
The applicant is registered in an appropriate Operatives Pension Scheme.
The legal representative(s) of the applicant shall not, during the last five years, have been convicted of an offence concerning professional conduct.
The legal representative(s) of the applicant shall not be guilty of serious misrepresentation in supplying the information and/or documentation required for registration.
The heritage specific requirements for a Main Contractor:
One or more members of senior management shall have knowledge of conservation theory.
The applicant shall have sufficient practical experience.
The reference projects* which serve to prove this experience must cover the following categories:
3.1 masonry & stone works,
3.2 roofing,
3.3 timberwork & joinery,
3.4 plastering,
3.5 painting & decorative wall finishes.
3.6 specialist crafts, and
3.7 building services (for specialists only)
Three reference projects*
must cover at least 3 of the first 6 categories and at least one reference project must cover the other 3 categories.The heritage specific requirements are for a Specialist Contractor:
a) One or more members of senior management shall have knowledge of conservation theory.
b) The applicant shall have sufficient practical experience.
Submission of reference projects
Three completed reference project forms for each main category for which registration is sought and should include:
Corresponding to the category/ies for which registration is sought, the applicant shall provide three project reference forms for work(s) completed during the previous five years and corresponding letters of acceptance or declarations of completion or attestations of satisfactory execution.
Detailed photographic evidence (before and after) of works completed.
A report of approximately 1,000 words on works carried out on each project, demonstrating awareness of good conservation practice, for example a brief method statement can be included. Please refer to the reference project form and guidelines.
A Qualified Professional Shall Complete the third party assessment section
This must be a Grade 1 or Grade 2 Conservation Architect, Engineer or Building Surveyor who is:
Accredited in conservation at Grade 1 or Grade 2 by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, or accredited in conservation by Engineers Ireland or the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (or equivalent institute), or A holder of a Post-Graduate award in building conservation (to NPQ 9), or On the Heritage Council’s Conservation Panel, or On the Irish Georgian Society Traditional Building Skills Register as a building professional or conservation consultant The assessor may be other than a building professional in exceptional circumstances. The Registration Board reserves the right to decide on the acceptability of the qualification of the assessor.
The Registration Organisation shall reserve the right to contact any of the clients or project professionals directly regarding any queries about a reference project.
For very rare/complex projects only one reference shall be required. The decision to allow only one reference project shall be taken by the Registration Board.
All Applicants must submit a list relevant staff – i.e.: middle and senior managpent and technical staff with knowledge of conservation theory.
All Applicants must submit any certificates, diplomas or other evidence proving knowledge of conservation theory.