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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.

  • Translating R&D on Innovative Building Materials from the Lab to Real Application in Construction

    Concrete production is one of the more carbon-intensive construction activities. But researchers from Trinity College Dublin are working to showcase that a lower-carbon concrete, produced with biomass ash, offers building companies a commercially viable and equally appliable alternative. How can research and development lead theory to practice and contribute to a more sustainable construction sector?
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    Group of construction workers in hi-vis vests and hard hats inspecting an outdoor facility.

  • 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. 

Industrial blue mechanical clamp or gripper tool shown in multiple close-up views on a workbench.
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

  • Abstract graphic cover featuring geometric shapes in orange, grey, yellow, and white, with the EY logo in the top right corner.
    Jul 2024

    Skills for Modern Methods of Construction

    Ernst & Young Business Advisory Services
    Housing is an essential infrastructure in any society. Ireland’s housing market has experienced significant volatility over the past two decades, with current housing demand outstripping supply. Housing for All is the Government’s housing plan to 2030. It is a multi-annual, multi-billion
    euro plan which aims to improve Ireland’s housing system and deliver more homes of all types for people with different housing needs.
    View Report on Egfsn.ie
  • Graphic: Report cover titled "Evaluation of the Engineering Skills and Training Needs of Manufacturing and Construction Sectors in the South East," January 2024.
    Jan 2024

    Evaluation of the Engineering Skills and Training Needs of Manufacturing and Construction Sectors in The South East

    South East Regional Skills Forum, on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
    This survey covered South East regional enterprises to determine priority training / skills needs in the broad ‘engineering’ discipline area for both existing and new startup companies. The survey provides considerable evidence of a shortage of engineering skills in the South East in recent times.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • Conference paper title page: "An investigation into Ireland's BIM Skills Gap," TU Dublin, 2023.
    Sep 2023

    An Investigation into Ireland’s BIM Skills Gap

    Guadalupe Centanni & Barry McAuley, Technological University Dublin
    This paper focuses on addressing this gap by identifying steps to be followed to develop skilled professionals within BIM. This has been achieved by investigating the extent to which construction stakeholders in Ireland comprehend BIM and, examining the training and educational initiatives implemented locally and internationally to facilitate the digital transition. The research also provides insights into the ramifications of the absence of a mandate for BIM implementation in the country concerning skills maturity.
    View Report on tudublin.ie
  • Careers in Construction Action Plan document cover with Irish government logo and working group title.
    Aug 2023

    Careers in Construction: Action Plan

    Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
    The Working Group for the Promotion of Careers in the Construction Sector was established in response to Action 13.4 of the revised Housing for All plan: “Develop an action plan to promote careers in construction”. Based on this research and professional experience and knowledge, proposed actions involve changes in structure, training and upskilling, and promotional activity in the construction sector.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • Griffith College logo with a watercolor illustration of a historic stone building.
    Jul 2023

    Rapid MMC Up/Re-skilling of the Construction Workforce: A Collaborative Approach Through the Use of Micro-Credentials

    Suzanne Burdis, Griffith College Dublin
    This report provides background and insights into micro-credentials as an emerging education innovation and a possible solution to the rapid up/ re-skilling needs of industry, and the promotion of life-long learning among the adult population in Ireland.
    View Report on griffith.ie
  • Report cover titled "Build Up Skills - Ireland 2030: Analysis of the National Status Quo" with BUSI2030 logo and partner organization logos.
    Jun 2023

    Build Up Skills – Ireland 2030: Analysis of the National Status Quo

    IGBC
    Construction Industry Federation, Irish Green Building Council, Laois & Offaly Education Training Board, Technological University of the Shannon

    The Build Up Skills Ireland initiative sets out a clear roadmap of actions focused on supporting the upskilling within the construction sector, and specifically the built environment.
    View Report on igbc.ie