Subcontracting
As Gaeilge: Fochonraitheoireacht
Also known as: Sub-contracting
Last reviewed April 2026
The practice of a main contractor engaging third parties to deliver part of a public contract, regulated under Regulation 71 of S.I. 284/2016.
Regulation 71 of S.I. 284/2016 lets contracting authorities require bidders to disclose proposed subcontractors at tender stage and during contract execution. Authorities can verify subcontractors against exclusion grounds and selection criteria, and can require their replacement where they fail those checks. On Irish public works, subcontractors must comply with the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) requirements and Relevant Contracts Tax (RCT) rules. The main contractor remains liable for performance to the authority.
Sources and legal basis
Primary legislation and official guidance. Always confirm the current text on the source before relying on it.
Related terms
Subcontractor
A supplier engaged by the main contractor to deliver a part of a public contract, named on the bid where regulations require.
Exclusion Grounds
Reasons a bidder must (mandatory) or may (discretionary) be barred from competing: convictions, tax debt, insolvency, prior misconduct.
PW-CF (Public Works Contract Form)
The standard Irish government construction contracts (PW-CF1–CF5) under the Capital Works Management Framework: fixed-price, non-negotiable.
Selection Criteria
Minimum requirements a supplier must meet to be considered: financial standing, technical capability, tax clearance.
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