New Construction Technology Centre Targets Accelerated Innovation

Ireland's new Construction Technology Centre is set to be established with new investment of €5 million.

Hosted by NUI Galway, the Construction Technology Centre will accelerate research and innovation within the construction and built environment sector. The consortium includes Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and University College Cork working with the Irish Green Building Council.

Enterprise Ireland worked with Ernst & Young to develop the specification for the Construction Technology Centre by identifying the construction sector's current, emerging, and future innovation and technology needs through detailed engagement with firms, stakeholders, and national and international experts. In line with the Government's Housing for All strategy, the new Centre will have a particular focus on advancing innovation and productivity in residential construction.

A team of researchers from across the Construction Technology Centre consortium, with expertise in the main areas of digital adoption, modern methods of construction and sustainability will be organised under five pillars to address the urgent areas of Productivity, Affordability & Cost; Quality and Safety; Sustainability; Skills and Training; and Collaboration.


Speaking as he announced funding support for the centre, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD said: "The Government is investing billions – substantially above the EU average - in the future, building new homes, roads, public transport, schools, hospitals and other vital infrastructure. This new Construction Technology Centre will make sure we are at the cutting edge of new developments in the sector, making sure Irish companies and the taxpayer are getting the best value for money, while building this important infrastructure in the most modern and efficient way possible.

"We're making sure that a diverse range of academics, skilled craft workers, industry experts and thought leaders feed into the work of the Centre, so that when businesses come for advice, they get accurate, up to date information that is informed by a broad range of expertise across the sector."

Enterprise Ireland's CEO, Leo Clancy commented: "The Construction Technology Centre will leverage the best combination of skills, equipment and know-how in the Irish research system. Through innovation, the Centre will help to increase the productivity, sustainability and export potential of the construction sector, while enabling reduced costs and build times for Ireland's housing and infrastructural requirements."

Prof. Jamie Goggins and Dr. Magdalena Hajdukiewicz, NUI Galway leads, added: "Our consortium proposed a Centre that will deliver on its vision to make Ireland a global research and innovation leader for sustainable construction and built environment technology. The Centre will bring together the whole value chain to accelerate people-centric innovation in construction and the built environment that allows industry increase their capacity and competitiveness, while creating a sustainable society and economy."