Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Duffy for his work and for his support. The last figure I saw for timber frame delivery in both public and private was about 48%. However, we are behind that on the social housing side. I have seen it in Limerick. Off-site construction is being used really well by Limerick City and County Council, particularly for infill sites in Moyross, which I have seen. It is also being used in other areas around the country. The sector is ramping up to do this. I believe there are real opportunities for us to deliver much more, more quickly and more efficiently. It is also better for our climate. Housing for All commits us to an increased use there.

We are developing a procurement roadmap for local authorities. Where appropriate, we want them to focus on modern methods of construction. Some of the bigger firms are also moving into that. We are getting building scale and building capacity in Ireland with regard to domestic producers. I have visited many of the sites. The Housing Agency will have a specific role in supporting the increased use of modern methods of construction.

Also important is the opening of the construction technology centre. We see much good practice throughout the country. Some areas are doing things very well and other areas need to be supported. Some builders are doing things differently but there is no centre for that best practice to be shared. We can do much more in that space. We are seeing it in the private sector with more and more off-site timber frame construction. I live in a timber frame house, which was built in 2006. Things have moved on greatly since then. We have the capacity to do more in that space.

Regarding section 28 and the density guidelines, we are concluding the work on that now. I expect we will get the draft design guidelines issued soon. They also need to go out for public consultation. There may be opportunities for better designs particularly in densified developments which can drive affordability in some instances but make better places for people to live and better design concepts. I imagine it will come out in the coming weeks. I do not want to put it out over Christmas because I would be accused of putting it out when there is a holiday break. If it is ready very shortly, we will put it out in advance of that and if not, I will hold it off until January to make sure that people have the time and space to feed into that process.

We will focus strongly on modern methods of construction. I mentioned it with regard to the new land activation measures. In those ones in particular, we will be charging our local authorities to look at the use of off-site construction, not just modular. I have seen good steel frame off-site construction as well as timber frame. We have a way to go on that. It is improving overall; as I said, 48% was the last figure I recall. We need to do more on the social housing side.