Leader of the Independent Team of Ministers and Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, Seán Canney TD, has welcomed the publication of the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Action Plan, describing it as a transformational initiative that will modernise how homes are delivered in Ireland, while creating fresh employment opportunities—particularly in rural communities.
The Action Plan, published by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), outlines 58 actions to support the upskilling of the construction workforce and accelerate the adoption of off-site, digital and manufacturing-led building techniques. It follows the work of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and extensive stakeholder engagement across Government, education, and industry.
Minister Canney said: “This Action Plan is about future-proofing our construction industry—building homes faster, more sustainably and with a workforce equipped for the future. Crucially, it also paves the way for rural Ireland to play a central role in that transformation.”
The Action Plan identifies that off-site component manufacturing can bring new investment to rural areas by reducing the need for proximity to traditional construction sites. Production facilities can be developed in towns and villages across the country, supporting local economies and creating sustainable, long-term employment outside the major urban centres.
Minister Canney continued: “This is a real opportunity for rural communities to lead in the delivery of modern, high-quality homes. Facilities based in towns across Galway could become regional hubs for off-site manufacturing, bringing jobs, training, and investment right into the heart of our communities.”
“By moving away from site-based dependency, we are creating a construction model that is more flexible, more inclusive, and far more viable for regional development. That’s good news for the west, and good news for balanced economic growth across the country.”
Among the eight priority themes in the Plan are senior management training, the use of digital tools and AI, new roles and labour retention, early learning engagement, and a strong emphasis on training and certification.
The Action Plan supports:
Upskilling and reskilling of existing workers
Pathways for non-traditional entrants, including those in rural and underrepresented communities
Increased female participation in construction careers
New education pipelines linked to digital and off-site construction methods
It also aligns with the Housing for All strategy and the Roadmap for Increased Adoption of MMC in Public Housing Delivery, and responds to the Updated McGrath Report, which forecasts the need for 69,000 additional workers to meet housing and retrofit targets to 2030.
Minister Canney concluded: “This plan is bold, ambitious and practical. It will help reduce pressure on our housing system, open up rural Ireland for investment, and ensure our workforce is equipped to deliver high-quality homes for years to come.”
