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.

13.02.26

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. A research team at University College Dublin (UCD) has developed a platform to connect construction companies to the data behind the value added of MMC systems.

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Research

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14.04.25

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

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Research showcase

Cover with the title “Modern Methods of Construction: barriers and benefits for Irish housing”

Feb 2024

Modern Methods of Construction: Barriers and Benefits for Irish Housing (CIOB Report)

CIOB, TASC

Greater use of MMC offers many potential benefits to those working within the sector and to society at large. It provides opportunities for a more sustainable built environment, better working conditions, and a more productive construction sector that can deliver high-quality homes more quickly than conventional, onsite construction.

View Report on ciob.org

Cover image for a report titled "Construct Innovate – Built Environment Research in Ireland," featuring a modern building in the background.

Feb 2024

Behavioural attitudes to modern methods of construction

Dr Shuo Wang (UCD), Dr Daniel McCrum (UCD)

The primary objective of this report is to investigate the psychology of change inherent in the broader acceptance and adoption of modern methods of construction (MMC) within the realm of housing delivery. Understanding the underlying factors that influence this transformation is important in shaping the future of the housing industry.

View Report on constructinnovate.ie

Academic document cover titled "Digital Challenges and Opportunities of Addressing Onsite Productivity and Safety on Construction Job Sites"

Jul 2023

Digital Challenges and Opportunities of Addressing Onsite Productivity and Safety on Construction Job Sites: An International Perspective

Ahmed Hassan, Ankur Mitra, and Mark Mulville (Technological University Dublin)

This paper will present the early development of a nationally funded Irish case study deploying a combined camera and sensors solution that enables measurable productivity and safety measures through passive data capture. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with highly experienced international construction practitioners to present the functions of the novel technology and explore the contemporary issues influencing on-site productivity and safety.

View Report on tudublin.ie

Jul 2023

Modern Methods of Construction Introductory Guide

Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Framespace Solutions Ltd, Castleforms Ltd, Cygnum Building Offsite.

This guide to Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) describes a range of
innovative construction processes to deliver quality and compliant housing.

View Report on gov.ie

Title slide of a research paper presentation from Munster Technological University titled 'Barriers to the Implementation of Modern Methods of Construction in Ireland

Sep 2022

Barriers to the Implementation of Modular Construction in Ireland: A Case Study from an Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Perspective

Shane Carmody, John P Spillane, and Noel Clarke (University of Limerick)

The aim of this study is to identify the factors that are inhibiting modular construction adoption in Ireland. A qualitative research method is applied, using six semi-structured interviews with the target case study.

View Report on researchrepository.ul.ie

Two workers in hard hats and safety vests in front of a construction site banner.

Jul 2022

Construction in Ireland 2022: Building a Workforce for the Future

AutoDesk Construction Cloud

This survey of professionals at Irish construction companies helps to understand the challenges and opportunities of the industry. Understanding the mood of construction companies — including the opportunities ahead and barriers to growth — gives a valuable insight into Ireland’s prospects for the future.

View Report on autodesk.com