Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
739. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the type and number of units planned at the national demonstration park for modern methods of construction; the number envisaged for completion this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53512/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for her interest in the National Demonstration Park for MMC in Mount Lucas, Co Offaly, which is a central plank in our strategy for advancing the take-up of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
The construction of the Demonstration Park is progressing well, with the enabling groundworks for Phase 1 expected to be completed by the end of October. These initial construction activities have been carried out onsite to prepare for the MMC units and are essential to ensure that the site is safe, stable, and ready for further development.
I was delighted to see this work in person during the breaking of the ground ceremony at the Park on 9th June. This marked an important milestone for the project, and the presence of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Deputy Peter Burke, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne, also highlighted the importance of the Park.
Phase 1 will see the construction of a variety of certified MMC units, which will include:
• 3 x 1-Bed apartments over a retail unit using Insulated Precast Concrete Panels.
• 1 x 2-Bed 2-Storey terraced Modular Infill Building using Light Gauge Steel.
• 1 x 3-Bed 3-Storey terraced unit using 2D Panelised Light Gauge Steel.
• 1 x 2-Bed 2-Storey terraced unit using Light Gauge Steel, Timber Frame or Insulated Concrete Formwork.
• 1 x 1-bed 3D Volumetric module and/or 1 x 2-Storey 2D Light Gauge Steel Modular Infill Building.
• 2 x Affordable/Social 3-Bed semi-detached dwellings using Timber-Frame 3D Volumetric.
It is important to note that discussions are continuing with contractors regarding the final design and completion of the units and the above specifications may be subject to change.
The first demonstration units are expected to be onsite in the first quarter of 2026 with activity scaling throughout 2026.
I would once again like to thank the Deputy for her question and for her interest in my Department’s work to support and advance MMC across Ireland.
