{"id":145898,"date":"2024-11-20T09:21:41","date_gmt":"2024-11-20T09:21:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/?p=145898"},"modified":"2025-07-09T16:30:15","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T15:30:15","slug":"nesc-report-insights-industry-responses-future-mmc-in-ireland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/mmc-news\/nesc-report-insights-industry-responses-future-mmc-in-ireland\/145898\/","title":{"rendered":"NESC report: Insights and industry responses on the future of MMC in Ireland"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dr D\u00e1ith\u00ed Downey, author of Boosting Ireland\u2019s Housing Supply: Modern Methods of Construction and Paul Tierney, CEO of MMC Ireland<\/a>, examine the report\u2019s findings and how to make Ireland a centre of excellence for MMC<\/h2>\n

Ireland\u2019s housing crisis is deepening, with efforts to increase housing supply, improve sustainability and boost construction productivity now a stated government priority.<\/p>\n

In the battle to deliver on expanding annual new housing targets, the adoption of offsite and other Modern Methods of Construction, or MMC, offers a promising path forward. The recently published National Economic & Social Council (NESC) report, Boosting Ireland\u2019s Housing Supply: Modern Methods of Construction<\/a>, provides, for the first time, a holistic analysis of the current state and future potential of MMC in Ireland.<\/p>\n

Critically, this seminal report has been supported by the government and has been broadly welcomed by industry, who see this as a potential guide for the state to work with industry to shape the future of construction and project delivery in Ireland.<\/p>\n

The NESC report comes at a crucial time for Ireland\u2019s housing sector. With current targets of building over 33,000 homes annually under the Housing for All plan, traditional construction methods alone are struggling to meet demand.<\/p>\n

This target figure is due to be increased significantly in the coming weeks and MMC, including offsite manufacturing and innovative onsite techniques, presents an opportunity
\nto significantly increase the speed and efficiency of housing delivery.<\/p>\n

One of the report\u2019s key strengths is its adoption of the UK\u2019s seven-category MMC definition framework, providing much-needed clarity on what constitutes MMC in the Irish context. This ranges from 2D panelised systems and 3D volumetric, or modular systems, right through to process improvements on traditional sites.<\/p>\n

The report also offers a snapshot of the current state of MMC in Ireland, noting that as of 2022, approximately 100 offsite manufacturing companies were operating in the country, with 27 providing complete MMC housing solutions.<\/p>\n

Importantly, NSAI has stated that the number of enquiries for MMC certification in housing has doubled in 2024 compared with 2023 and the number of companies certified to deliver MMC housing is expected to rise significantly in 2025.<\/p>\n

Benefits of MMC<\/h3>\n

The potential benefits of MMC are substantial and almost immediate. The report outlines possible cost reductions of 20%-40% and construction time savings of 20%-60% through MMC adoption.<\/p>\n

It also emphasises the environmental benefits, with studies suggesting MMC can halve carbon emissions compared to traditional methods.<\/p>\n

These advantages position MMC as a game-changer in meeting Ireland\u2019s housing and sustainability goals. Importantly, the report highlights the existing capacity
\nwithin Ireland\u2019s MMC sector and its potential for growth.<\/p>\n

It notes that \u201cenquiries for certification for MMC in housing from offsite manufacturers have increased, with the number almost doubling in 2024 compared with 2023, as well as an
\nincreased capacity within the MMC sector overall\u201d.<\/p>\n

This growth in certification requests indicates a sector poised for expansion, ready to meet increased demand.<\/p>\n

The report also quotes industry experts, who believe in the sector\u2019s capacity to rapidly scale up.<\/p>\n

As noted in the report: \u201cDeclan Wallace, chief executive officer of Evolusion Innovation Ltd and chair of MMC Ireland, quantified this potential, suggesting that MMC and OSM companies have the capacity to speedily increase annual housing output by 25,000 dwelling units\u201d.<\/p>\n

This statement quantifies the significant untapped potential within Ireland\u2019s MMC industry; however, realising this potential requires addressing several challenges, including insurance concerns, regulatory issues around timber-based MMC, the need for standardised housing typologies, investment requirements and public perception issues.<\/p>\n

The report outlines six key areas for action to address these challenges:<\/p>\n