The story behind Ireland’s first permanent modular primary school
Bridging the gap between increasing Ireland’s housing supply and developing supporting infrastructure is critical. Enter CPAC Modular.
As Ireland faces growing demands on its education, housing, and healthcare systems, the spotlight is turning to Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). With the need for faster delivery, greater sustainability, and cost efficiency, MMC offers innovative solutions that can transform how infrastructure is planned and built. Advances in modular design, digital technology, and off-site manufacturing are no longer just temporary fixes – they are becoming central to creating resilient, future-proof buildings that meet the needs of a changing population.
Modular construction is now recognised as a strategic solution to accelerate delivery and improve quality. Designed for longevity, adaptability, and sustainability, modern buildings created through MMC can be tailored to meet the evolving needs of schools, hospitals, and housing. With advanced manufacturing, smart design, and significantly shorter build times, projects can be delivered in months rather than years.
Where traditional construction can be slow and resource-heavy, MMC typically delivers projects in about half the time, bringing vital infrastructure online faster and more efficiently.
Enter CPAC Modular, a company that has developed Ireland’s first fully modular primary school in Lucan, Co. Dublin, in half the time of a traditional build.
Traditional building cannot deliver the speed of development required, and more modern methods of construction are needed to bridge the gap. Advances in technology have made off-site and modular building popular again – this time for the right reasons.
With strategic oversight and off-site safety controls in place, this type of building is much more efficient than traditional methods in terms of speed, cost-effectiveness, worker safety, project sustainability, use of renewable materials, and level of quality.
CPAC Modular, based in Co. Meath, has pioneered off-site construction methods for educational facilities for many years, culminating in the development of Lucan East Primary School (ETNS). This is what’s called an ‘Enhanced’ 3D volumetric modular building, a permanent structure with brick finishes and concrete flooring but built using 152 individual 3D modules assembled in an off-site facility and then connected onsite.
And despite this (to-date) unconventional way of building and faster turnaround time, the structure’s 60-year lifespan is identical to that of a traditional build.
Seán Murphy, Managing Director at CPAC Modular, highlighted Lucan East ETNS as a milestone for the Irish construction sector.
“This pioneering modular project demonstrates the full potential of MMC in delivering high-quality, future-ready buildings. By allowing the school to open its doors far sooner than a traditional build, it has eased pressure on the local community. With housing growth in the area accelerating, timely delivery of schools and supporting infrastructure is essential — and MMC is proving it can meet that demand.”
Managing Director at CPAC Modular