Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 December 2022
31. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has given consideration to the use of 3D printing technology and the possible benefits of same to the current problems with housing construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59147/22]
View answerModern Methods of Construction (MMC) has been identified as a key measure to address the different housing needs in Ireland and methods to support the development of MMC in Ireland are set out in Housing for All Pathway 5 Section 5.3.2.
MMC encompasses a broad and diverse range of innovative construction practices with huge potential to boost productivity and increase efficiency (avoid waste) in the construction sector. This includes 3D printing technology.
The coordination of activities to promote MMC adoption is being led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
DETE has overseen the establishment of an interdepartmental MMC Leadership and Integration Group.
This Group will ensure the cohesive integration and coordination of the various Government supported MMC-relevant initiatives – to support innovation, such as 3D printing, in the construction industry.
Such initiatives include:
The Construction Technology Centre, consortium led by the University of Galway;
The Demonstration Park for MMC at Mount Lucas, operated by Laois Offaly Education and Training Board);
The National Construction Training Centre at Mount Lucas;
The Build Digital project (led by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform); and
The Built to Innovate awareness campaign run by Enterprise Ireland.
All new dwellings must comply with building regulations, the aim of which is to provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings, and in addition achieve a 60-year durability for all key elements
Part D of the Building Regulations sets out the legal requirements for materials and workmanship. It requires that all works must be carried out
using “proper materials” which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used, and
in a workmanlike manner
to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations.
The process of Agrément certification applies to those products and processes which do not fall within the scope of existing construction standards, either because they are innovative or because they deviate from established norms. NSAI Agrément assesses, specifies testing, and where appropriate, issues Agrément certificates confirming that new building products, materials, techniques and equipment are safe and fit for purpose in accordance with the Irish Building Regulations and with the terms of the certificate. Such certificates may be in addition to, but not conflict with CE marking.
