Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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271. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the extent to which he might encourage the use of wooden or modular housing to meet the ever-increasing needs in both urban and rural settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43438/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Modern methods of construction (MMC) is a key way of helping to address Ireland’s housing needs, be they urban or rural. Modular and timber are key components within the range of MMC categories. MMC has the potential to increase productivity and efficiency, improve delivery, and reduce cost and waste in construction.

Coordination of activities to promote MMC adoption is being led under Housing for All by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, which now chairs an interdepartmental MMC Leadership and Integration Group to drive government supported MMC-relevant initiatives.

These include:

• The ConstructInnovate construction technology research centre
• The National Demonstration Park for MMC
• The Build Digitalproject
• The Built to Innovateawareness campaign
• A Public Procurement Roadmap for MMC
• An Introductory Guide to MMC for the non-technical reader/general public to enhance consistency of understanding and the use of MMC terminology
• Training for industry and procurers in MMC