Latest news with #ModernMethodsofConstruction
Irish Post
10 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Post
New plan revealed to modernise construction sector in Ireland
A NATIONAL plan has been launched in Ireland which is designed to modernise the construction industry. The Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Action Plan provides a framework to support the adoption of modern, innovative tools that can improve the sector among the firms that work within it. It was revealed at an event held at the National Construction Training Campus in Offaly's Mount Lucas where work to build a new National Demonstration Park has now begun. "I am delighted to publish this landmark Action Plan which will assist in the accelerated adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), a significant representation of my Department's and the Government's commitment to meeting national skills needs,' Ireland's Further Education Minister James Lawless said. Minister Jim Lawless addresses the event in Mount Lucas "In addition, the National Demonstration Park will be Ireland's flagship centre for MMC showcasing, learning, and innovation. 'It will build industry and public confidence, technical expertise, and a national ecosystem around MMC." The MMC Action Plan, which has been developed by the Department of Further and Higher Education in partnership with industry and education providers, sets out 58 targeted actions across eight themes to scale the adoption of MMC across Ireland. The Demonstration Park, which is co-funded by three government departments, will be operated by the Laois-Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB). Work has begun to build the National Demonstration Park It is designed to 'showcase leading MMC techniques, provide immersive learning, and support the growth of a national innovation ecosystem', it was confirmed this week. 'The National Demonstration Park for MMC at Mount Lucas represents a pivotal moment for construction education and training in Ireland,' Joe Cunningham, Chief Executive of LOETB, said. 'This isn't just about showcasing cutting-edge building techniques; it's about creating a living classroom where trainees and students, apprentices and professionals can experience, hands-on, the future of the industry.' He added: "The educational value of this park lies in its ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing immersive learning opportunities that will equip our workforce with the vital skills needed to deliver on national housing and sustainability targets." The Demonstration Park will house live examples of MMC across a variety of MMC technologies. It will also serve as a research and training space for new entrants, upskilling professionals, and MMC innovators. The first units in the Demonstration Park are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with training and industry and public engagement activity scaling throughout 2026.
Irish Post
15 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Post
Ireland reveals new plan to modernise construction sector
A NATIONAL plan has been launched in Ireland which is designed to modernise the construction industry. The Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Action Plan provides a framework to support the adoption of modern, innovative tools that can improve the sector among the firms that work within it. It was revealed at an event held at the National Construction Training Campus in Offaly's Mount Lucas where work to build a new National Demonstration Park has now begun. "I am delighted to publish this landmark Action Plan which will assist in the accelerated adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), a significant representation of my Department's and the Government's commitment to meeting national skills needs,' Ireland's Further Education Minister James Lawless said. Minister Jim Lawless addresses the event in Mount Lucas "In addition, the National Demonstration Park will be Ireland's flagship centre for MMC showcasing, learning, and innovation. 'It will build industry and public confidence, technical expertise, and a national ecosystem around MMC." The MMC Action Plan, which has been developed by the Department of Further and Higher Education in partnership with industry and education providers, sets out 58 targeted actions across eight themes to scale the adoption of MMC across Ireland. The Demonstration Park, which is co-funded by three government departments, will be operated by the Laois-Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB). Work has begun to build the National Demonstration Park It is designed to 'showcase leading MMC techniques, provide immersive learning, and support the growth of a national innovation ecosystem', it was confirmed this week. 'The National Demonstration Park for MMC at Mount Lucas represents a pivotal moment for construction education and training in Ireland,' Joe Cunningham, Chief Executive of LOETB, said. 'This isn't just about showcasing cutting-edge building techniques; it's about creating a living classroom where trainees and students, apprentices and professionals can experience, hands-on, the future of the industry.' He added: "The educational value of this park lies in its ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing immersive learning opportunities that will equip our workforce with the vital skills needed to deliver on national housing and sustainability targets." The Demonstration Park will house live examples of MMC across a variety of MMC technologies. It will also serve as a research and training space for new entrants, upskilling professionals, and MMC innovators. The first units in the Demonstration Park are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with training and industry and public engagement activity scaling throughout 2026.
Irish Independent
13-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Major extension of Clare secondary school to host first students in September
St Flannan's College campus in Ennis recently became Munster's largest school Today at 06:02 The first phase of a significant expansion of St Flannan's College campus, the historic school in County Clare and Munster's largest school, will be completed in time for the beginning of the next school semester in September. The expansion of St. Flannan's College campus in Ennis comprises special educational needs (SEN) facilities and general educational spaces, including classrooms, science rooms, and a construction studies room. The 2,500 sqm development is supported by the Department of Education and is regarded as a prototype rapid build project, which could be replicated elsewhere throughout Ireland. Appointed in September 2024, contractor Lidan Designs and the award-winning design team at Healy Partners Architects were tasked with delivering a fully completed school within a 12-month period. Construction began in January 2025, with prefabricated elements arriving on site by April. The building will be delivered in phases from July, with full completion scheduled for December. At the end of the first phase, 297 students of Knockanean National School will be accommodated at the new St. Flannan's development from September until their approved new national school is delivered. Fr Iggy McCormack, Principal of St. Flannan's College, said the completion of the new facilities will significantly enhance the secondary school's capacity to support its growing student population, which increased to 1,280 for the current school year. He explained: 'Our enrolment numbers are expected to grow further in the coming years, which is why investment is needed in our infrastructure to support a modern, proactive, welcoming, and inclusive 21st-century educational environment. Most importantly, the addition of new SEN classrooms comes at a critical time, addressing the severe shortage of such spaces in the greater Ennis area." 'On behalf of the Board of Management, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Minister for Education Helen McEntee, her predecessor Norma Foley, and the staff of the Planning and Building Unit in the Department for supporting the educational needs of our school and those of our 34 feeder schools. The completion of these new facilities will be warmly welcomed by parents, teachers, and students alike." Aran Healy, Architect and Director of Healy Partners Architects, explained that the project has been designated as an exemplar scheme by the Department of Education. From the outset, he said, a commitment was made to deliver the building using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to achieve efficiency, speed, and quality. ADVERTISEMENT Mr Healy said: 'The new development includes six SEN classroom bases, along with a suite of dedicated support spaces – central activity zones, practical skills areas, indoor and outdoor breakout spaces, and accessible play areas. 87% of the building is prefabricated off-site by Lidan Designs in Roscommon, a national leader in sustainable and bespoke timber construction. This off-site approach has enabled tighter quality control, reduced environmental impact, and faster on-site assembly.' 'What sets this project apart is its ability to act as both a contemporary educational facility and a respectful architectural response to a cherished historic setting,' added Mr Healy.
