James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I again thank Deputy Séamus McGrath for asking this question on behalf of Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere. I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 64 and 99 together.

The new national housing plan contains a range of actions to increase skills and support modern methods of construction, building on the initiatives already in place. MMC is the term used to describe a range of compliant innovative construction alternatives to traditional construction methods. MMC has the potential to boost productivity, increase efficiency and improve sustainability in the construction sector. It has brought tangible benefits to housing delivery. Reductions in delivery timeframes of up to 40%, greater cost certainty and reduced changes during construction have offered both cost and time savings.

My Department is working closely with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and other relevant stakeholders in progressing work to increase delivery capacity in the residential construction sector through promoting the adoption of modern methods of construction.

Key actions which are included in delivering homes, building communities to increase adoption of MMC are: the use of MMC in at least 25% of all new social and affordable homes built during the lifetime of the plan; support for the use of three-dimensional modular units through pathfinder projects in Limerick and Wexford; optimising the NSAI agrément certification process; promotion of ISIF funding opportunities for manufacturers to support new and existing factories; the delivery of at least 1,500 MMC dwellings through the local authority accelerated delivery programme; renewing the action plan to promote careers in construction and launching a new five-year action plan for apprenticeships; and doubling the overall investment of Enterprise Ireland’s build to innovate programme to drive adoption of efficient construction practices and the use of MMC.

My Department has also recently published the standardised design approaches study.

These standardised design approaches will raise awareness about the benefits and opportunities and promote adoption, of standardised housing design to facilitate MMC.

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