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.

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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02.04.26

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.

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

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

Sep 2023

Measuring the benefit of MMC

KPMG

The saviour to our problems: Modern Methods of Construction. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), despite its name, isn’t all that new. . Simply put, it’s the application of manufacturing processes and procedures aimed at achieving a better balance of standardisation and
customisation.

View Report on Kpmg.com

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

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

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

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.