News

Webinar on Multi-Unit Developments, Apartments, and Management Companies – Key Issues and Updates

28/04/2025

CIF Webinar Invitation
Multi-Unit Developments, Apartments, and Management Companies – Key Issues and Updates

Date: Tuesday, May 13th
Time: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Format: Online Webinar (with Q&A – typed questions only)

Overview:
This webinar will provide CIF members with an essential update on key developments and practical issues relating to Multi-Unit Developments (MUDs), apartments, and Owners’ Management Companies (OMCs). Topics covered will include:

  • Understanding the Basics:
    How MUDs and OMCs operate – key roles, responsibilities, and governance structures.
  • Planning Policy Context:
    National planning policies impacting apartment development and MUDs.
  • Sector Growth:
    Insights into recent planning and commencement activity across the sector.
  • Regulatory and Legal Landscape:
    Current legal requirements, recent changes, and anticipated future developments for MUDs and OMCs.
  • Planning Guidelines for Apartments:
    Key aspects of planning standards and policy relevant to apartment developments.
  • Financial Considerations:
    Managing annual service charges, budgeting for sinking funds, and financial sustainability of OMCs.
  • Topical Issues:
    Emerging challenges and opportunities within the sector.
  • International Developments:
    A look at trends and best practices from other jurisdictions.
  • Resources:
    Supports available from the Housing Agency and other organizations.

Register in advance for this webinar:

Register Now


Mastering Compliance: An In-Depth Guide to CIF’s Building Regulations Training Course

18/03/2025

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) offers a Building Regulations Training Course designed to provide professionals with a comprehensive understanding of Ireland’s building regulations and technical guidance documents. This course is ideal for those in the construction sector or related fields, offering essential insights into the legislative framework governing building control regulations.

Course Structure

The program spans ten days, divided into five block modules, each focusing on different aspects of building regulations:

  1. Module 1: Legislation and Code of Practice
    • Legislation 1, 2, and 3: These sessions provide a thorough understanding of the legal framework surrounding building regulations. Participants will learn about the various legislative requirements and how they apply to construction projects.
    • Code of Practice: This part of the module focuses on the standards and guidelines that ensure construction practices meet regulatory requirements.
    • Materials and Workmanship: This section covers the quality and standards of materials used in construction, ensuring they comply with regulations.
  2. Module 2: Subsoils and Substructures
    • Part A & Part C: This module addresses the preparation of sites and the structural stability of buildings. It includes detailed discussions on subsoils, substructures, and resistance to moisture.
    • Site Preparation: Participants will learn about the necessary steps to prepare a site for construction, including soil testing and foundation requirements.
    • Structural Stability: This section covers the principles of ensuring that buildings are structurally sound and capable of withstanding various forces.
  3. Module 3: Fire Safety and Accessibility
    • Fire Safety Regulations: This module provides an in-depth look at the fire safety requirements for buildings, including the design and implementation of fire safety measures.
    • Accessibility: Participants will learn about the regulations ensuring buildings are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities.
  4. Module 4: Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
    • Energy Performance: This module covers the regulations related to the energy efficiency of buildings, including insulation, heating, and cooling systems.
    • Sustainable Building Practices: Participants will explore sustainable construction methods and materials that comply with building regulations.
  5. Module 5: Sound, Ventilation, and Hygiene
    • Sound Insulation: This section covers the regulations and best practices for sound insulation in buildings, ensuring that noise levels are controlled and managed effectively.
    • Ventilation: Participants will learn about the requirements for proper ventilation in buildings, including the design and implementation of ventilation systems.
    • Hygiene: This part of the module focuses on the hygiene standards required in buildings, including water supply, sanitation, and waste disposal.

Expert Instruction and Dynamic Learning


ARM5 Launch Event: February 11th, 2025

10/01/2025

The CIF, OGP, and SCSI are pleased to announce a hybrid CPD event on February 11th, titled:
“Introducing ARM 5: Implementation Insights and Industry Guidance.”

This event will feature speakers from the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), and the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI).

ARM 5 is a newly developed document set to supersede ARM 4 and its two associated supplements currently in use.

The Government Construction Contracts Committee (GCCC) has confirmed that for project appointments commencing at Stage 1 on or after January 1st, 2025, tender documents for Stage 3 must adhere to ARM 5. For non-public building projects, the CIF and SCSI will issue guidance on the implementation timeline and relevant amendments to the Code of Practice for Selective Tendering

This event offers valuable insights and is highly recommended for members.

REGISTER


Annual Supply Chain Sustainability School Summit – Wednesday January 22nd 2025

20/11/2024

The Annual Supply Chain Sustainability School Summit is scheduled for Wednesday January 22, 2025, at University College Dublin’s Belfield campus. This event will feature expert speakers, engaging panels, and networking opportunities focused on sustainability in the built environment.

This event is free to attend and is a fantastic opportunity for the construction industry to engage with sustainability experts, learn about innovative practices, and network with peers.

Event Details:

  • Event: Annual Supply Chain Sustainability School Summit
  • Theme: Driving Sustainability Through Partnership
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 08:30 AM to 2:30 PM
  • Venue: University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4
  • Fee: Free to attend

This year’s summit will feature insightful sessions on the ESG pillars—Environmental, Social, and Governance, including speakers and panelists from leading organizations such as the Office of Government Procurement, BladeBridge, Sisk, Business in the Community Ireland, and more. Attendees will also have the chance to network during a light lunch.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Link to Register


Liffey Crane Hire Launches Online Induction Modules to Enhance Safety and Efficiency

21/10/2024

CIF Member, Liffey Crane Hire has unveiled a new suite of online induction modules aimed at improving safety standards and operational efficiency for their clients. The move is part of the company’s commitment to leveraging digital solutions and improving Health and Safety standards for specialised lifting equipment.

The online induction modules, which are now accessible through the company’s website, cover critical topics such as health and safety procedures and equipment operation guidelines. These comprehensive Induction resources are designed to ensure that every individual involved in using glass vacuum lifters, glazing robots, counterbalance beams or pick & carry cranes have a resource where operators receive consistent, high-quality inductions before commencing work.


Encouragement to Utilise Supply Chain Sustainability School Training Programs

26/08/2024

As a founding partner of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, we are deeply committed to promoting sustainable practices within our industry. We strongly encourage all our members to take full advantage of the School’s comprehensive training programs on sustainability. These programs provide invaluable insights, practical knowledge, and essential skills that are crucial for driving meaningful change in our operations and supply chains. By participating in these training sessions, you will be better equipped to implement sustainable practices, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to the overall resilience and future-proofing of our industry.

Please see below a list of four sessions to start with.  Included are links to each session for more information.

 

The Circular Economy Webinar: A 1-hour webinar introducing the principles of the circular economy.

  • Date and Time: Thursday, 12 September 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

 

Climate Adaptation & Biodiversity Workshop: This 1-hour workshop explores climate change and biodiversity.

  • Date and Time: Friday, 20 September 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

 

How to Measure and Report Social Value and Community Impact Webinar: A 1-hour webinar on effectively measuring and reporting social value.

  • Date and Time: Wednesday, 25 September 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

 

Getting to Grips with Plastic in the Built Environment Workshop: A 1.5-hour session on practical ways to manage plastic use in construction.

  • Date and Time: Wednesday, 6 November 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

 


Mastering Scaffold Planning with CIF: Ensuring Safety and Efficiency

25/07/2024

Scaffold planning is a crucial aspect of preconstruction that significantly impacts the efficiency and success of a project. For project managers, quantity surveyors, and temporary works coordinators, thorough scaffold planning can lead to substantial construction and budgetary efficiencies.

 

For project managers, scaffold planning provides a clear roadmap for the erection, use, and dismantling of scaffolding, ensuring that the project stays on schedule. It allows for the identification of potential hazards and the implementation of safety measures in advance, reducing the risk of accidents and delays. By integrating scaffold planning into the overall project timeline, project managers can coordinate more effectively with other trades, minimizing conflicts and enhancing workflow efficiency.

 

Quantity surveyors benefit from scaffold planning by obtaining accurate cost estimates for scaffolding materials and labor. This foresight allows for better budgeting and resource allocation, helping to avoid unexpected expenses and cost overruns. Detailed scaffold plans also enable quantity surveyors to negotiate more effectively with suppliers and contractors, securing the best possible rates and ensuring that the project remains financially viable.


Exploring the Benefits of Using Power BI: A Comprehensive Overview

01/07/2024

In today’s data-driven world, the ability to effectively harness and visualize data is crucial for making informed decisions. Microsoft Power BI stands out as a powerful tool that empowers users to transform raw data into meaningful insights and visually compelling reports. This article delves into the benefits of using Power BI, particularly focusing on its capabilities as highlighted in a typical introductory course.

Course Objectives and Content

The introductory course on Power BI spans two days and is tailored for data analysts looking to leverage the capabilities of Power BI Desktop. Here’s a breakdown of what the course covers:

Course Objectives: The primary goal of the course is to equip participants with essential skills to create interactive visual reports using Power BI Desktop. Participants will learn to connect to various data sources, shape and model data, apply Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), and visualize data effectively.


What are the benefits of In House Training Provided by The Construction Industry Federation

11/06/2024

In-house or onsite training and education provided by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) offers substantial benefits for organisations within the construction sector. This approach to professional development is particularly effective when delivering core programs on health and safety, building control, environmental and sustainability practices, project management, leadership, and contracting and tendering.

Tailored Content and Relevance

One of the primary benefits of onsite training is the ability to tailor the content to the specific needs and context of the organization. CIF trainers can customize their programs to address the unique challenges and requirements of the construction company, ensuring that the training is directly applicable to the daily operations and projects of the business. This relevance increases the impact of the training, making it more valuable for employees and more beneficial for the organization.


Understanding Part A and Part C of the Irish Building Regulations: Subsoils and Substructures

29/05/2024


Understanding Part A and Part C of the Irish Building Regulations: Subsoils and Substructures

The Irish Building Regulations are a comprehensive set of guidelines ensuring safety, health, and sustainability in building practices. Among these regulations, Part A and Part C are crucial for addressing the foundational elements of construction—subsoils and substructures. These technical documents provide essential standards and practices that construction professionals must adhere to, ensuring structural integrity and durability from the ground up.


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