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. This is alongside a showcase of research activity across the country, highlighting what is being done to drive new innovation and workforce development in Irish construction.

04.08.26

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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15.05.26

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.

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).

Research showcase

Feb 2024

Design for Manufacture and Assembly with Design for Reuse

Brian Broderick (Trinity College Dublin) and John Hickey (Trinity College
Dublin)

This report examines the application of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in Ireland, how this can be enabled through Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) and its relationship with Design for Reuse (DfR).

View Report on constructinnovate.ie

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, Dr Daniel McCrum (University College Dublin)

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

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

Jan 2024

A Study of International Construction Quality Assurance & Certification Schemes for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)

National Standards Authority of Ireland

This study addresses milestone No. 12 of the Housing for All Roadmap for increased adoption of Modern Methods of Construction in public housing delivery document. International construction quality certification schemes have been reviewed and summarised to assist benchmarking of the current NSAI Agrément process in Ireland.

View Report on nsai.ie

Construction workers on a building site, with Irish government committee report cover on housing and modern construction methods.

Oct 2023

Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage – Modern Methods of Construction

Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage

This document covers discussions from Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the topic of Modern Methods of Construction. The Committee held three sessions, with two sessions focusing on modern construction methods, and one session involving discussion on the Review of Fire Safety Building Regulations.

View Report on oireachtas.ie

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.