I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 133 together.
Housing for All, is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes by 2030. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
Modern methods of construction (MMC) has been identified as a key measure to address increased housing delivery and methods to support increased use of MMC are set out in Pathway 5 of Housing for All. All homes delivered using MMC must comply with the 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. For new innovative products or systems, not covered by existing standards, compliance with the Building Regulations can be demonstrated by 3rd party certification by an independent approval body, such as National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).
The development of MMC will improve productivity in construction and increase efficiency in residential construction. The development of MMC is being led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment which has established a MMC Leadership and Integration Group and my Department is represented on this Group. This Group is ensuring the cohesive integration and coordination of the various Government supported MMC initiatives. These initiatives include:
• The establishment of a multi-location Construction Technology Centre, consortium led by the University of Galway;
• A new Demonstration Park for MMC at Mount Lucas, operated by Laois Offaly Enterprise and Training Board; and
• The National Construction Training Centre at Mount Lucas.
The Housing for All Action Plan Update, which was published on 2 November 2022, includes a new action to develop a roadmap with targets for increased use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in public housing. My Department is working closely with the local authorities to increase the use of MMC in public housing delivery.
