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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.
    Read more
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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 with text "Attitudes and Effective Communication on Modern Methods of Construction" with Focus Ireland logo.
    Mar 2026

    Attitudes and Effective Communication on ‘Modern Methods of Construction’

    Focus Ireland & The Housing Agency
    This research employed six focus groups involving people of different ages and housing situations, along with a nationally representative survey of 1,000 adults, to examine awareness and perceptions of MMC and, importantly, to identify effective ways of communicating MMC to the public to build support – the main goal of the research.
    View Report on focusireland.ie
  • Build Digital Annual Survey 2025 results cover with construction scaffolding imagery on the right.
    Mar 2026

    Build Digital Annual Survey 2025 Results

    Build Digital
    The Annual Survey explores the current level of digital transformation in the Irish Construction and Built Environment sector. It provides Build Digital with insight into the extent of digital adoption across the sector. It captures views on how we can best support continued progress through practical actions, guidance, and enabling tools.
    View Report on tudublin.ie
  • Logo for Construct Innovate with "3DREDO" project title for 3D-printed concrete reinforcement.
    Feb 2026

    3DREDO: Development and 3D Printing of Three-Dimensional Reinforcement from Waste Composites for Concrete Structures

    Dr Pouyan Ghabezi, Dr Alireza Rahimi (University of Galway)
    3DREDO is an initiative that aims to harness this opportunity and develop three-dimensional reinforcement systems using the 3D printing technique from recycled polymer and composite waste. The broad objective is to improve the ductility, fracture mechanics, and strength properties of the cementitious matrix while following the circular economy and the Ireland National Research Centre for Construction Technology and Innovation themes.
    View Report on sites-eu1.com
  • Cover slide with the title “Designing Polypropylene Fiber Reinforcement For 3D Concrete Printing: Rheology Control, Thixotropic Recovery and Mechanical Performance"”
    Feb 2026

    Designing Polypropylene Fiber Reinforcement For 3D Concrete Printing: Rheology Control, Thixotropic Recovery and Mechanical Performance

    Wen Si, Mehran Khan, Ciaran McNally (University College Dublin)
    This study examines the influence of polypropylene (PP) fibre length and dosage on the rheological and mechanical performance of cementitious mortars and their validation in 3D printed concrete (3DPC).
    View Report on sciencedirectassets.com
  • Logo and cover page for Home Performance Pathway Technical Manual v1.0.
    Feb 2026

    Home Performance Pathway Technical Manual

    Brian Crowley, Johanna Varghese, Pat Barry, John Fingleton (Irish Green Building Council) & Construct Innovate
    This is the technical manual for the Home Performance Pathway certification process, designed to provide a progressive pathway towards building skills for Home Performance Index certification. The purpose of this manual is to support the assessment of new homes in line with the certification processes and procedures as set out by the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC); and in doing so allow the IGBC to make informed and measured certification decisions and approvals.
    View Report on sites-eu1.com
  • Cover page of "Updated Careers in Construction Action Plan" document from January 2020
    Jan 2026

    Updated Careers in Construction Action Plan

    Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
    In light of the experience over the two years since the publication of the original Careers in Construction Action Plan, the Careers in Construction Working Group have now reviewed and updated the plan to reflect progress made and the evolving context.
    View Report on gov.ie