Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is a broad term used to describe a range of offsite manufacturing processes and onsite techniques that provide alternatives to traditional construction. Such modern construction processes and techniques include offsite construction, modular construction, pre-fabrication and 3D printing, as well as onsite assembly. MMC aims to deliver high-quality housing with reduced delivery times and reduced costs.
The Government is committed to leveraging its significant capital investment in housing to increase the use of MMC, including modular. The updated National Development Plan secured investment of almost €20 billion in building new social and affordable housing. Government will ensure that the weight of the State’s significant spending power is put firmly behind leaner, more efficient, faster supply.
A new target for the use of MMC in at least 25% of all new build social and affordable housing has been introduced. This will mean a pipeline of thousands of homes that will be built using MMC, including modular, over the lifetime of the Plan. It will provide significant opportunities for those in the building sector to invest in innovation.
The Government's Housing Plan supports additional social housing delivery by mandating the use of standard house layouts and specifications as part of the new approval process, and facilitates the use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) through a standardised design approach.
In order to support and grow the use of modular or 3D volumetric, which is not as well established in Ireland as other MMC techniques, my Department will provide funding and support for pathfinder projects. These projects will further explore the potential for these innovative systems and facilitate the sharing of best practice across the social and affordable housing delivery partners. For example, 3D modular dwellings have been incorporated in a small housing scheme in Clondalkin as part of the Design & Build Contractor’s proposal for the development. Learnings from this project will inform what role, if any, 3D Volumetric can play in the provision of public housing into the future.
My Department also launched a new Housing Information Hub in May 2026. The hub provides a single, authoritative public analytics hub for housing-related data, beginning with dashboards on planning permissions, new dwelling completions, residential commencement notices and the use of Modern Methods of Construction. This will improve transparency, aid public understanding and assist evidence-based policymaking, and is available here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/campaigns/delivering-homes-building-communities-2025-2030-an-action-plan-on-housing-supply-and-targeting-homelessness/
