Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022
97. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of research conducted by his Department into technologies companies that could assist with increasing the speed of housing construction projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6049/22]
View answerThank you for raising an important issue.
A big focus for me in the coming years is increasing the level of home ownership. Owning a home is part of our culture and our history.
We cannot accept that an entire generation will be locked out of home ownership, stuck in a rent trap as house prices increase.
Housing for All is our plan to change that – to turn the aspiration of home ownership into a reality, to ensure everybody has access to sustainable, good quality housing, to give stability for renters and protection for people at risk of homelessness.
Addressing the high cost of residential construction, along with improving construction sector innovation and productivity, is a key factor in making progress.
My Department is building up capacity and capability in the construction sector by encouraging modern construction methods, adoption of new technologies, and planning for the labour market.
The Housing for All policy is a wide-ranging and ambitious housing strategy which contains multiple Actions dedicated to this crucial issue.
My Department through Enterprise Ireland is working to establish a Construction Technology Centre this year.
When established, this Centre will serve as an innovation hub bringing together research expertise and industry (including technology companies as mentioned by the Deputy) to drive innovation in construction and the built environment. The new Technology Centre will have a particular focus on productivity enhancement and innovation in residential construction.
To further promote innovation in the residential construction sector, Enterprise Ireland are now offering a range of supports to these businesses, including Innovation Vouchers, Digitalisation Vouchers, Innovation Partnerships, Lean Business offers and others.
These schemes will make it easier for construction companies to adopt the latest technologies and drive productivity in the construction sector.
In the coming years, these initiatives will help make good on the ambition set out in the Housing for All Plan to ensure that everybody has access to sustainable, good quality, well located housing to purchase or rent at an affordable price.
