man displaying a robotic arm to a group of people in a classroom setting

Research

Discover more about research and development in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in an interview with a senior researcher at University College Dublin, alongside a representative sample of recent research publications focused on MMC and skills development.

This will grow to be a comprehensive showcase of research activity across Ireland, highlighting the work of higher education institutions and other research-performing organisations that are driving innovation and workforce development in the Irish construction sector.

14.04.25

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

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Research showcase

Jun 2025

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Action Plan

Ernst & Young, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

This report has been prepared by Ernst & Young, in accordance with an engagement agreement with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (“DFHERIS”) for professional services, covering an Action Plan which outlines the actionsneeded to deliver the recommendations in the detailed skills assessment report, Research and Forecast for Skills Required for Modern Methods of Construction”.

View Report on gov.ie

Cover with green background and white text about robotics and automation in construction management.

Feb 2025

Robotics and Automation in Construction Management Review Focus

Lamar University

This study examines the application of robotics and automation in construction management by analyzing fourteen case studies, highlighting their impact on project execution and labor dynamics.

View Report on researchgate.net

Cover image with a black background and the title “Developments in the Built Environment,” featuring green and white text.

Nov 2024

Autonomous Mobile Construction Robots in Built Environment

ScienceDirect

This study systematically reviews the use of autonomous mobile robots in construction, discussing their potential and challenges.

View Report on sciencedirect.com

Nov 2024

International Best Practice in Digital Construction Adoption

Project Ireland 2040

A global study identifying key learnings for Ireland in digital transformation by examining international best practices in digital adoption within the built environment sector.

View Report on tudublin.ie

White cover with the title “Report on the Circular Economy – October 2024” by the Joint Committee on Environment & Climate Action.

Oct 2024

Report on the Circular Economy (Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action)

Joint Committee on Environment & Climate Action

Perhaps the most impactful legacy of the Covid crisis has been an increased awareness of
the risks that arise from global supply chains.
Our current “Take, Make, Use, Discard” model ignores the environmental costs along the
supply chain.

View Report on oireachtas.ie

Oct 2024

Ireland’s infrastructure demands

Niall Conroy and Kevin Timoney, Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

This paper identifies infrastructure deficits in Ireland relative to other countries. We find significant deficits in housing, health, transport, and electricity. More investment will also be required to help transition to a greener society.

View Report on FiscalCouncil.ie