Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Durkan. Modern methods of construction have been identified as a key measure to address the different housing needs in Ireland and methods to support the development of MMC in Ireland are set out in Housing for All plan. MMC is the term used to describe a range of manufacturing and innovative construction alternatives to traditional construction, including modular construction. MMC has the potential to boost productivity, increase efficiency and improve sustainability in the construction sector. The co-ordination of initiatives to promote MMC adoption is being led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, through the interdepartmental MMC leadership and integration group. These initiatives include the accelerated social housing delivery programme; the roadmap for increased adoption of MMC in public housing; the Construct Innovate technology centre, the national demonstration park for MMC; the build digital project; the built to innovate initiative; the development of standardised approaches to the design of housing with the aim of reducing the cost of construction and supporting MMC adoption; as well as training for industry and public sector professionals. MMC is central to the Government’s accelerated social housing delivery programme. This programme is being led by my Department and will see the delivery by 13 local authorities of at least 1,500 social homes using modern methods of construction across approximately 36 sites. It is intended to expand the use of the design and build procurement approach to enable greater use of MMC in both social and affordable housing delivery.

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