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Report from Ireland’s National Economic and Social Council (NESC) calls for a promotional campaign to demonstrate the quality of MMC-built homes.
Report from Ireland’s National Economic and Social Council (NESC) calls for a promotional campaign to demonstrate the quality of MMC-built homes.
A recent report from the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) in Ireland calls for a promotional campaign to address the negative perceptions surrounding Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), particularly prefabricated and rapid-build homes. According to the report, these misconceptions are prevalent among consumers, developers, funders, and insurers, and they hinder the broader adoption of MMC in the Irish housing market.
MMC encompasses a range of technological innovations in construction, particularly offsite manufacturing of housing units, which are then assembled onsite. Despite its potential to significantly impact Ireland’s housing system by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, MMC remains underutilised. Only 7% of Irish firms report that offsite manufacturing is a core part of their operations. Experts agree that wider use of MMC will be crucial for Ireland to meet its housing needs over the coming decade, particularly as the country faces growing pressures from labour shortages and increasing housing demand.
The NESC report highlights various advantages of MMC. These include a reduction in construction costs, more efficient project scheduling, and time savings of up to 50%. Additionally, MMC contributes to decarbonisation efforts, aligning with Ireland’s environmental goals. However, MMC adoption has been slow, partly due to its negative image.
One of the key barriers identified by the report is the lack of understanding and knowledge about MMC across multiple sectors, including public agencies, the construction industry, and professions such as design, engineering, finance, and insurance. The NESC stresses the need for a well-coordinated promotional campaign to demonstrate the quality of MMC-built homes and dispel the myths surrounding prefabricated and rapid-build housing. Such a campaign could also make MMC more attractive to potential employees, addressing workforce shortages in the construction industry.
To improve the perception of MMC, the NESC report suggests showcasing successful MMC projects, such as recent developments by Dublin City Council. These schemes have been well-received, demonstrating the viability of MMC in addressing Ireland’s housing challenges. The report also calls for a programme of exhibitions, in-person training, and knowledge exchanges to close the information gap and improve understanding among professionals.
Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for the success of this initiative, according to the report. It points out that a promotional campaign should highlight MMC’s role not just in housing but in placemaking for sustainable communities. Stakeholders such as local authorities, developers, and housing bodies are urged to take the lead in presenting MMC as a reliable, efficient, and sustainable option for residential construction.
Industry representatives quoted in the NESC report note that the market for MMC remains fragmented and undercapitalised. However, they also express optimism that with the right support, including government commitment to scaling up social and affordable housing through MMC, the sector could grow rapidly. The CEO of Evolusion Innovation Ltd, Declan Wallace, highlighted the potential to increase housing output by up to 25,000 units annually if MMC adoption is accelerated.
In response to the report, the Irish Government reaffirmed its commitment to increasing housing supply and integrating MMC into its housing strategy. The forthcoming update to the “Housing for All” action plan is expected to include specific measures to build momentum around MMC and support its wider use across the housing sector.
This report suggests that while MMC has the potential to revolutionise housing delivery in Ireland, overcoming negative perceptions and fostering greater understanding is key to unlocking its full potential.
Find the report HERE
