Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
289. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total cost to date of the modular units built on State-owned lands itemised, by cost per unit and by location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9216/24]
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.
MMC is the term used to describe a range of manufacturing and innovative construction alternatives to traditional construction, including modular construction. MMC encompasses fully factory built modular units in addition to panelised systems, such as those manufactured from light gauge steel frame or timber frame and has the potential to boost productivity, increase efficiency and improve sustainability in the construction sector. MMC techniques can speed up the delivery of construction projects by between 20% and 60%.
While my Department does not hold details on the various construction processes used in the delivery of new homes, the Housing for All Action Plan Update, which was published in November 2022, includes a new action to develop a roadmap with targets for increased use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in public housing. This Roadmap was published on 11 July 2023 and is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/414cd-roadmap-for-increased-adoption-of-mmc-in-public-housing-delivery/
My Department is now working closely with the local authorities to increase the use of MMC in social and affordable housing. The development of MMC will improve productivity in construction and increase efficiency in residential construction.
The Office of Public Works (OPW), in conjunction with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) as the Department with policy responsibility, is leading on a project to secure the provision of 700 modular homes to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection from the Ukraine.
