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

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as an cheist, which is a very important one. We need to look at how we can utilise modern methods of construction, including off-site construction and modular builds, to ramp up the supply of housing. We clearly set out that objective in pathway 5 under the Government's Housing for All plan. The development of modern methods of construction, MMC, will improve productivity in construction and increase efficiency in residential construction. It will be an important tool we will use.

The further development of MMC is being led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, which has established a leadership and integration group, and my Department is represented on this group. The group is ensuring the cohesive integration and co-ordination of the various Departments that support the MMC initiatives. We will establish a multi-location consortium, a construction technology centre led by the University of Galway, a new demonstration park for modern methods of construction at Mount Lucas operated by Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board and the new national construction training centre, also at Mount Lucas.

I visited many companies in Ireland that are developing off-site construction methods, not just modular build. About 48% of all homes built in Ireland are wooden frame homes, which I welcome. This is better for a climate perspective, but we need to do more on the social housing side. Next week, I will table an amendment to the planning and development and foreshore (amendment) Bill that will seek approval to expedite the delivery of social and affordable homes on State-owned land. This will be underpinned by the allocation of €100 million to pay down loans on local authority sites that can deliver social housing projects linked to accelerated delivery. What I am doing for that extra delivery, which we will manage in a central way, is seeking that local authorities will use the off-site construction methods we see are working. Some local authorities have already used these methods very well. I have visited sites in Limerick and in Fingal, my local authority area. We need to accelerate this delivery. There is demand there. These methods are more efficient and effective. I see this as additional supply and we have the funding to underpin it. We have to make sure we are using the best of technology to deliver homes quicker. Next year could be a breakthrough year in that regard. I am happy to keep the Deputy informed of progress.

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