Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
740. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how successful demonstrator projects from the modern methods of construction demonstration park will be scaled up and adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53513/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith thanks to Deputy Currie for her interest in the new National Demonstration Park for MMC which is being constructed in Mount Lucas, Co. Offaly.
It is important to reflect on the objectives of the National Demonstration Park for MMC, these include:
• To provide an accessible ‘flagship’ location for MMC demonstration in Ireland, and in so doing to facilitate the showcasing of innovative MMC products and systems particularly for the housing sector.
• To raise awareness, and to disseminate the knowledge and understanding of MMC innovation throughout Ireland by way of such a showcased facility.
• To build a national network around MMC of manufacturers, contractors, clients, designers and policymakers, and to support and contribute to related activities through this network.
• To identify and provide applicable specialist training towards emerging MMC skillset requirements.
• To facilitate experimentation and proof of concept activities, as well as established MMC operational processes.
With consideration to the above objectives, the purpose of the Park is not to give favour to any one particular MMC method or technology but rather to bring such methods and their accompanying technologies to life, showcasing innovations in residential construction in a more meaningful and tangible way.
Organisations of all sizes – from local authorities to SMEs - will benefit from visiting this experiential facility and understand how they can integrate more modern methods into their products and services.
Visitors to the park will also be able to access training information to address any upskilling or reskilling needs they may have.
Overall, the aim is to support the greater adoption of MMC throughout the sector via the promotion and utilisation of this experiential facility.
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.
