Understanding the ISO 19650 and the Irish BIM Mandate
May 2025The construction industry in Ireland is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of the ISO 19650 Irish BIM Mandate. This mandate aims to standardise Building Information Modelling (BIM) practices across all publicly procured projects, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and improved collaboration. In this blog post, we'll explore the key aspects of the ISO 19650 Irish BIM Mandate and how it impacts the construction industry.
What is ISO 19650?
ISO 19650 is a set of international rules for managing building information (BIM) throughout a project. It helps organize data so everyone has accurate and current information. It covers things like naming files, classification, and using a central data hub (Common Data Environment or CDE).
The Irish BIM Mandate
The Irish government launched the BIM mandate in January 2024. This requires all government projects over €100 million to follow ISO 19650 rules. It's rolling out over four years:
- January 2024: Projects over €100 million (Design Teams)
- December 2024: Projects over €100 million (Contractors & Suppliers)
- June 2025: Projects over €20 million (Design Teams)
- December 2025: Projects over €20 million (Contractors & Suppliers)
- June 2026: Projects over €10 million (Design Teams)
- December 2026: Projects over €10 million (Contractors & Suppliers)
- June 2027: Projects over €5 million (Design Teams)
- December 2027: Projects over €5 million (Contractors & Suppliers)
- By end of 2027: All government projects, any size, must follow the BIM mandate.
Key Parts of the Mandate
1. Common Data Environment (CDE)
A CDE is a central place to store and manage all project info. It ensures everyone has the latest data, reducing errors and improving teamwork. ISO 19650 requires design info to be in a CDE and move through four stages: Work in Progress, Shared, Published, and Archived.
2. Naming Conventions
Consistent naming is vital for organising project information. The Irish BIM Mandate says all design documents must follow the naming rules in the Irish part of ISO 19650.
3. Information Requirements
The mandate sets out various information needs (like PIR, EIR, OIR). These ensure all necessary data is captured and managed during the project.
4. BIM Execution Plans (BEP)
A BEP is a detailed plan for how BIM will be used on a project. It covers roles, responsibilities, and how BIM data is managed. Projects must have a BEP for effective BIM use.
How Our Consultancy Can Support
Navigating the Irish BIM Mandate can be complex. Our consultancy services can help you:
- Expert Guidance: We help you understand and apply ISO 19650 standards.
- Training and Support: We offer training and ongoing help for your team to manage BIM effectively.
- Customisation: We adapt BIM workflows to your specific project needs.
- Continuous Improvement: We help you monitor and improve your BIM practices.
By using our services, your projects can comply with the Irish BIM Mandate, leading to better efficiency, teamwork, and project results.
The ISO 19650 Irish BIM Mandate is a big step for construction in Ireland. By standardising BIM, it aims to improve project outcomes, boost collaboration, and ensure consistency across all government projects. Understanding the mandate and using our services can help ensure your projects are compliant and successful.
