Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2018
331. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if supports are available in regard to the adoption of new and emerging technologies in the construction industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42231/18]
View answerThe construction sector has a dual economic role – both as a sector in its own right, and as an input to wider socio-economic activity providing the housing, social and productive infrastructure required to sustain economic growth and competitiveness and attract foreign direct investment. This sector is highly labour intensive with a diverse range of occupations and has a high multiplier effect.
Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) are essential components in a company’s ability to maintain a competitive edge in the market. To support the adoption of new and emerging technologies in this sector, Enterprise Ireland (EI) provides a range of supports such as:
- Funding for in company RD&I, such as, the Agile Innovation Fund.
- Funding for companies to undertake collaborative RD&I with the Higher Education Sector such as Innovation Vouchers and Innovation Partnerships.
- Delivering innovation capability development through programmes such as Leadership for Growth and Excel at Growth workshops.
- The Technology Gateway Programme, which provides construction companies with access to expertise with Institutes of Technologies. The cluster can connect with over 300 industry researchers to provide solutions to sectors areas such as Construction.
- Technology Centers located throughout the country, which are organised to respond rapidly to industry defined needs and conduct market-relevant R&D in partnership with collaborating groups of companies.
- Two offers to support Building Information Modelling. These supports provide consultancy and training grants to become BIM enabled.
EI will continue to work with construction companies to support their adoption of new and emerging technologies to drive their innovation capability, market competitiveness and global footprint.
