Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Taoiseach for the update on the NESC. As he is aware, NESC has identified modern methods of construction as a key to reducing the cost of apartment delivery and supporting more compact sustainable urban growth. In order to realise this potential, however, we need to invest in our workforce. The national modern methods of construction, MMC, training centre in Mount Lucas in Offaly, run by the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board, is already leading on this. Important work is also being done in the University of Galway. By expanding the Mount Lucas training centre and providing real incentives for existing construction workers to upskill, we can modernise the sector, lower costs and reduce environmental impacts. It is often said that we should work smarter and not harder but in truth we should always aim to do both. Will the Taoiseach, through his Department, commit to support the training and upskilling needed to fully unlock the benefits of MMC and meet our housing needs?

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