Search
Search
Research hero

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.

  • 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.
    Read more
    Research
    Industrial robotic gripper mechanism with blue components and wiring, shown from multiple angles.

  • 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.
    Read more
    Research
    Logo of Platform MMC with stacked geometric shapes in blue and gray 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).  

Headshot of a person in a suit, standing indoors with a blurred background.

Research showcase

  • Cover with the title “Boosting Ireland’s Housing Supply: Modern Methods of Construction” and a NESC logo in the top left.
    Sep 2024

    Boosting Ireland’s Housing Supply: Modern Methods of Construction

    National Economic & Social Council
    This report by the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) investigates the potential of MMC to significantly boost housing supply. It highlights progress under the MMC roadmap, an important and ambitious State policy designed to achieve greater adoption of MMC in public housing delivery and the housing system more widely.
    View Report on nesc.ie
  • A digital graphic with the logos of the World Green Building Council and the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC).
    Aug 2024

    Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Renovation Trajectories in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

    Irish Green Building Council
    The publication sets out a sequence for how national governments could introduce policy measures and guidance to facilitate the successful implementation of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and renovation trajectories for European buildings, as outlined in the EPBD.
    View Report on igbc.ie
  • Cover with the title “Supporting the Circular Economy Transition in the Irish Construction Sector” on a black and teal background with curved lines.
    Jul 2024

    Supporting the Circular Economy Transition in the Irish Construction Sector

    CSG Innovation and Digital Delivery Subgroup – Sustainability and Climate Action Consultative Committee
    The purpose of this document is to set out a sectoral perspective on why the Irish construction sector needs to understand and embed circular economy principles.
    View Report on acei.ie
  • Graphic titled “BUSI2030 – National Upskilling Roadmap 2030 for the Built Environment,” featuring an illustration of hands holding the Earth with green buildings, wind turbines, solar panels, and birds, representing sustainability and environmental innovation.
    Mar 2024

    National Upskilling Roadmap 2030 for the Built Environment

    CIF, Irish Green Building Council, LOETB, Technological University of the Shannon
    The project’s scope is to analyse the current and future skills gaps in sustainable construction for 2030. It aims to create a National Upskilling Roadmap for Ireland to achieve its climate targets for housing, retrofitting, renewables and the decarbonisation of Ireland’s built environment.
    View Report on igbc.ie
  • Cover titled 'Homegrown C16 – Increasing the use of Irish home grown C16 timber in Housing Construction'
    Feb 2024

    Homegrown C16: Increasing the use of Irish home grown C16 timber in housing construction

    Dr Patrick McGetrick (University of Galway)
    This short project led by the Timber Engineering Research Group (TERG) at University of Galway aims to provide a summary of solutions and recommendations that can promote an increase in the use of homegrown Irish timber in housing (low and high rise) and offsite construction in Ireland.
    View Report on constructinnovate.ie
  • Cover titled 'Viable Homes – Practical guidance for planners and developers on carbon optimisation of housing developments'
    Feb 2024

    Viable Homes: Practical guidance for planners and developers on carbon optimisation of housing developments

    Oliver Kinnane (UCD) and Pat Barry (Irish Green Building Council)
    This report intends to highlight to planners and other key stakeholders of the built environment the whole life carbon impacts of the continued construction of new low-rise, low-density dwellings on greenfield sites and to provide recommendations to mitigate these impacts by promoting a switch to a low-rise, medium density model.
    View Report on constructinnovate.ie