Government Ministers officially launch the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Action Plan and break ground on the National Demonstration Park for MMC. The event marked a major step in Ireland’s efforts to modernise construction practices, boost housing supply, and build the skilled workforce needed for the future.
The MMC Action Plan, developed by the Department of Further and Higher Education in collaboration with industry and education partners, outlines 58 targeted actions across eight thematic areas. Its goal: to accelerate the adoption of innovative construction approaches across Ireland.
The new Demonstration Park, co-funded by the Departments of Further and Higher Education, Housing, and Enterprise, will be located on the National Construction Training Campus at Mount Lucas, operated by Laois-Offaly ETB. The facility is intended to showcase cutting-edge MMC techniques, deliver immersive training, and support the development of a national innovation ecosystem.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, said:
“I am delighted to publish this landmark Action Plan which will assist in the accelerated adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), a significant representation of my Department’s and the Government’s commitment to meeting national skills needs.
In addition, the National Demonstration Park will be Ireland’s flagship centre for MMC showcasing, learning, and innovation. It will build industry and public confidence, technical expertise, and a national ecosystem around MMC.”
Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government, James Browne TD, emphasised the housing impact of the initiative:
“I’m pleased to mark the commencement of the National Demonstration Park for Modern Methods of Construction, which will spearhead training and education and ultimately, boost housing supply by fostering construction innovation skills that deliver homes faster, with improved quality, and reduced waste.
Mount Lucas showcases the capacity of modern methods of construction to transform the homebuilding landscape and to drive efficiency and quality in housing delivery. This is what we need.”
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, highlighted the potential for innovation and competitiveness:
“Ireland’s construction industry is transforming at pace, and our focus must be on how we support business in this transition. The MMC Action Plan will help to provide the skills needed to enable more widespread adoption of innovative construction methods.
The new National MMC Demonstration Park will show first-hand the advances in offsite manufacturing, modular systems and digital construction tools that offer huge potential for enhanced efficiency, increased quality, waste reduction and environmental sustainability.
Ireland is turning the dial in relation to our approach to Modern Methods of Construction and these efforts will contribute significantly towards the building of more housing for our citizens.”
Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD, described the site’s long-term significance:
“This site will become a national anchor for MMC. It will be a place to test new approaches, to train the next generation, and to build the partnerships that will drive sustained change in housing delivery.
Ireland has an opportunity here to lead; to set the pace not just in how we build, but in how we educate, upskill, and include. With this Demonstration Park, and the implementation of the MMC Action Plan, we are putting ourselves in a strong position to do exactly that.”
Joe Cunningham, Chief Executive of LOETB, also welcomed the development:
“The National Demonstration Park for MMC at Mount Lucas represents a pivotal moment for construction education and training in Ireland. This isn't just about showcasing cutting-edge building techniques; it's about creating a living classroom where trainees and students, apprentices and professionals can experience, hands-on, the future of the industry.
The educational value of this park lies in its ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing immersive learning opportunities that will equip our workforce with the vital skills needed to deliver on national housing and sustainability targets.”
The Demonstration Park will include live-build examples of various MMC technologies and serve as a training, research, and public engagement hub. The first units are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with activity expanding in 2026.
The initiative is supported by a tripartite investment from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.
Both the Action Plan and the Park align closely with major Government strategies such as Housing for All, the Programme for Government, the White Paper on Enterprise, and the MMC Roadmap. They complement other state initiatives including Enterprise Ireland’s Construct Innovate technology centre and the Built to Innovate grant programme.