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Research

Discover more about research and development projects in the world of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) led by Irish higher education institutions and other research-performing organisations, alongside a showcase of research activity across the country, highlighting what is being done to drive new innovation and workforce development in Irish construction.

  • How Can Standardising MMC Product Designs Drive New Efficiencies in Construction Developments?

    Despite the expanded use of offsite construction, Ireland still lacks publicly available, non-proprietary detail libraries for manufacturers, designers, certifiers, and regulators. The STANDARDIZE project in University College Dublin is addressing this, aiming to standardise MMC technologies for greater sector efficiency and mobility.
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  • Researching and Developing the Right Concrete Products and Application Systems for 3D Construction Printing

    3D construction printing is still in its earliest phase in Irish building, but research into the best-practice materials and applications of this type of Modern Method of Construction (MMC) can help increase the rate of uptake. Two researchers from the Construct Innovate unit of the University of Galway are making this happen.
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Platform4MMC: Supporting Decision-Making to Drive the Adoption of Modern Methods of Construction in Ireland

Ireland’s housing targets need to be met rapidly while achieving high sustainability standards. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) offer the opportunity to digitise the construction sector, improving project delivery speed, efficiency, and quality. 

Logo for Platform MMC featuring stacked layers graphic in gray and dark tones.
Taking MMC Research to the Construction Site and Beyond

The MMC Research Group at University College Dublin (UCD), spearheaded by Dr Daniel McCrum, is leading the innovations behind Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).  

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Research showcase

  • Graphic: "Timber in Construction Steering Group – Final Report and Recommendations" cover with timber staircase.
    Jun 2026

    Timber in Construction Steering Group – Final Report and Recommendations

    Interdepartmental & Industry Steering Group on Timber in Construction
    The Steering Group has developed a set of measures in this document to accelerate the safe use of timber in construction in a coherent roadmap focused on: education and research underpinning safe regulation; regulation and procurement creating market demand; data and incentives enabling monitoring and uptake; and public leadership to build confidence and drive industry innovation.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • Two construction workers reviewing plastering work, with "The Plastering Trade in Ireland" report cover graphic.
    Apr 2026

    The Plastering Trade in Ireland – Demand, Supply, and Future Skills Needs

    South East Regional Skills Forum, on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
    This report presents a comprehensive analysis of the plastering trade in Ireland augmented by detailed analysis form the South East region. The study explores both current and future dynamics within the sector, with a particular focus on understanding the balance between labour demand and the available supply of skilled plasterers.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • Construct Innovate logo with text: "Alternative Irish-based materials suitable as cementitious binders"
    Apr 2026

    Alternative Irish-Based Materials Suitable as Cementitious Binders

    Dr Niall Holmes (Technological University Dublin)
    Developing alternative cements goes beyond environmental concerns; it also has economic and strategic dimensions. Innovation in binder technology could position the Irish cement sector at the forefront of sustainable material export markets and reduce reliance on imported cementitious products. This research underscores a gap in identifying new locally available or engineered alternatives that can sustain and expand low-carbon cement production in Ireland.
    View Report on constructinnovate.ie
  • Sisk logo graphic on red background with text: "How much does span really cost in carbon?"
    Mar 2026

    SISK Slab Carbon Matrix Research

    SISK
    This research analyses the embodied carbon performance of multiple slab systems used in office buildings, testing how they behave across increasing grid sizes and comparing them under identical layout conditions.
    View Report on sisk.com
  • Graphic: National Framework for Meeting Priority Construction Workforce Needs document cover with a woman reviewing plans.
    Mar 2026

    National Framework for Meeting Priority Construction Workforce Needs

    Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
    This report presents research and analysis to support the development of a national framework for meeting priority construction workforce needs. The background to this report is that a suite of landmark Government strategies has highlighted the demands to be met from Ireland’s construction workforce to meet Government priorities in housing, climate action, and other infrastructure. The realisation of this ambition is critically dependent on progress in creating and mobilising a construction workforce of a scale and skills level equipped to meet the targets set out in these strategies.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • Brochure cover for "Information Manager (BIM) Role Profiles" with organization logos and construction scaffolding photo.
    Mar 2026

    Information Manager (BIM) Role Profiles

    Build Digital
    This document has been developed to provide clarity and consistency in defining those roles. It recognises that Information Management is not merely a technical function, but a governance and assurance function embedded within the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF). Individuals appointed to these roles must, therefore, demonstrate more than software proficiency; they must possess structured knowledge of public procurement processes, lifecycle asset information requirements, data governance, and compliance obligations under the CWMF.
    View Report on tudublin.ie