Paul Tierney, CEO of MMC Ireland, sits down for an in-depth interview with Irish correspondent Carol Tallon on what the new government, and the draft Programme for Government 2025-2030, means for delivery of the built environment
Despite the familiar faces in cabinet and leading key ministries, Ireland’s newly published draft Programme for Government marks a potential turning point for Ireland’s construction industry, particularly in its strong endorsement of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
With key industry proposals adopted and significant funding commitments made, this could be the administration that finally breaks Ireland’s historic but detrimental boom-bust construction cycle.
We start by asking the chief executive of MMC Ireland, Ireland’s largest representative body for offsite and other modern methods of construction, Paul Tierney, what this means for the sector and the wider economy.
The Programme for Government, or PfG, demonstrates strong support for MMC, how significant is this moment for your members?
It is potentially transformative. The NESC report we helped inform clearly showed that MMC could be a game-changer for housing delivery, and the government has really taken that on board.
What is particularly encouraging is seeing our key recommendations translated into concrete commitments – especially the MMC Innovation Fund through ISIF and the 25% binding target for MMC use in state-backed housing.
These are not just isolated measures; they are part of a coherent strategy to modernise construction delivery. By investing in manufacturing capacity and creating predictable demand through targets, we can move away from the boom-bust cycles that have plagued Irish construction for decades and ensure a sustainable, buildable pipeline for the sector.
Let’s talk about specific wins. The MMC Innovation Fund was one of your members’ key proposals
Yes, and the government has actually exceeded our 2025 expectations here. We proposed a demonstration and upskilling fund, but they have gone further by establishing a comprehensive innovation fund through ISIF that will support both new factories and expansion of existing facilities.
This is exactly what is needed to scale up capacity and create sustainable manufacturing jobs across the country. It is critical that this measure is not hindered or delayed by unnecessary bureaucracy.
The NSAI reforms were another major ask from MMC Ireland. Why is this so important?
The commitment to overhaul and properly resource NSAI is crucial. Our members have been clear that while maintaining high standards is essential, the certification process needs to be more efficient. The government’s commitment to ensure “all-encompassing regulatory certs are issued in a timely manner” directly addresses this.
This matters because certification delays can severely impact project timelines and costs. A more efficient system will help manufacturers innovate while maintaining the high standards that give clients confidence in MMC solutions.
There is still a body of work to be done towards making this system more cost efficient. However, we see the inclusion of this in the draft PfG as the starting point of a conversation that will continue as the sector expands and evolves.
Some of your proposals did not make it into the PfG, which ones were left out?
We had proposed specific financial incentives like an MMC innovation tax credit and reduced stamp duty for MMC-built homes.
While these were not included in this current draft, the broader funding commitments through the Innovation Fund are a strong start and our members will likely review the effectiveness of these before making further proposals.
We also advocated for more detailed measures around digital transformation and BIM adoption. While these are not explicitly detailed in the programme, the creation of the new Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitalisation suggests these issues will be addressed in a more coordinated way, which we welcome.
The ministerial appointments have brought some surprises. How do you view the new structure?
Having Minister O’Brien move from Housing to Climate, Environment & Energy is actually very positive for our sector. His deep understanding of construction and housing will be invaluable as our members continue their work to decarbonise the built environment.
The fact that he will be working alongside Minister Chambers, who oversees infrastructure and digitalisation, creates real potential for the joined-up approach we have long advocated for.
What strikes you as the most transformative aspect of the programme?
The combination of binding targets, substantial funding and regulatory reform creates the conditions for sustainable industry growth.
By committing to MMC use in state-backed housing and supporting manufacturing capacity, we can move away from the stop-start approach that has characterised Irish construction.
While housing is the priority of the government right now, our members are working to ensure more effective delivery of healthcare, education and other key sectors. This could be the first government to create a truly sustainable construction sector – one that delivers consistent output through economic cycles, maintains skilled employment and meets our housing and infrastructure needs while advancing our climate goals.
What’s the immediate focus for MMC Ireland and its members?
Together with my team in MMC Ireland, I will be working closely with members to help them access the new Innovation Fund and engage with NSAI on certification reforms.
We are also keen to support the implementation of the 25% MMC target in state-backed housing – this needs to be done in a way that builds confidence and demonstrates MMC’s benefits.
Longer-term, we will continue advocating for additional measures, particularly around digital transformation and sustainability.
The NESC report highlighted MMC’s potential to decarbonise construction, and we will be working to ensure this potential is fully realised. This will require a huge focus on upskilling and reskilling; the new government needs to learn from the mistakes of previous administrations and adopt an industry-informed approach.
Our interactions with the incoming government confirm that collaboration is the order of the day, and MMC Ireland members are willing and ready to share their deep experience, technical knowledge and project insights.
Any final thoughts on what this means for Ireland’s construction future?
This new government could mark the beginning of a new era in Irish construction – one characterised by stability, innovation and sustainable delivery rather than boom-bust cycles.
The government has created a framework for transformation. Now it is up to the industry to deliver on that potential. For our part, MMC Ireland is ready to take on this challenge and to deliver for Ireland.
MMC Ireland’s National Conference 2025 takes place from 11-12 March at the Johnstown Estate, Enfield County Meath.
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