Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2023
271. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how he proposes to encourage and support the maximum use of timber in the house-building sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9600/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 new homes per year over the next decade.
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is used to describe a range of offsite manufacturing and innovative onsite techniques that provide alternatives to traditional building construction, including innovative systems such as cross laminated timber (CLT) and glue laminated timber (GLT).
In general, the promotion of MMC has been identified as a key measure to address the different housing needs in Ireland as set out in Housing for All. Indeed, the Housing for All Action Plan Update, which was published on 2 November 2022, reiterated this point and includes a new action to develop a roadmap with targets for increased use of MMC in public housing.
The Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment (DETE) has overseen the establishment of and chairs an interdepartmental MMC Leadership and Integration Group to support the coordination of initiatives to develop Modern Methods of Construction, including in relation to issues around public procurement, sustainability, housing and the education and skills agenda in the construction industry, including:
- The recently launched Construct Innovate Technology Centre, funded by DETE through Enterprise Ireland.
- The establishment of a Demonstration Park for Modern Methods of Construction MMC at the Mount Lucas National Construction Training Centre, operated by Laois Offaly Enterprise and Training Board (LOETB), in conjunction with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science D/FHERIS and SOLAS.
- Progressing a package of proposals which will further support the use and development of MMC in delivery of social housing by my Department.
My Department participates actively on this Group.
