MEP Ciaran Mullooly (Renew) asks Commission to act on Ireland's refusal to recognise EU cladding certificates

Renew MEP Ciaran Mullooly has asked the European Commission to investigate whether Irish building control authorities are violating single market rules by refusing to recognise EU technical certificates for modern methods of construction (MMC) cladding products, a move that could delay innovative, sustainable building materials and create trade barriers for developers.

The parliamentary question, submitted on 11 May 2026, targets the Department of Housing and building control authorities in Ireland, which according to Mullooly are disregarding certificates from Kiwa, an inspection company accredited in other EU member states. Developers are reportedly forced to undergo redundant national re-certification by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), despite the products holding valid certification demonstrating equivalent safety and performance.

Concrete asks and legal basis Mullooly's question contains three concrete asks: whether the Commission is aware of the practice, whether it considers the refusal a violation of Regulation (EU) 2019/515 on mutual recognition of goods, and what steps it will take to ensure Irish authorities comply with single market rules. The MEP frames the issue as a de facto technical barrier to trade, directly invoking the mutual recognition regulation that requires member states to accept goods lawfully marketed in another member state.

Policy orientation and ambition The question signals a push for stronger enforcement of single market rules, particularly for innovative construction products. Mullooly's reference to MMC and sustainable products indicates a desire to accelerate the uptake of modern building techniques by removing national certification hurdles. The ambition is to force Irish authorities to align with EU harmonisation principles, potentially reducing costs and delays for developers.

Expected follow-up The Commission is required to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it views the Irish practice as a breach of EU law and whether it plans to launch infringement proceedings or issue guidance. The outcome could affect not only cladding products but also other MMC goods facing similar national barriers across the EU.