Further Advanced Construction Technologies courses have been announced in County Louth to meet increasing demand.

The courses at Louth & Meath Education and Training Board's (LMETB) Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk will include 3D concrete printing (3DCP) and take place on a monthly basis throughout 2025, with a fully certified programme to follow later this year.

Gerard Smith, director of AMTCE, has stated that "close to 200 people have already attended our 3DCP courses to date".

He continued: "In 2025, we are running monthly two-day courses, providing a comprehensive overview of this technology and aimed at busy contractors, tradespeople, architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and those working in other construction-related or additive manufacturing roles.

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"Furthermore, an educationally certified programme in 3DCP is due to be launched later in 2025 and it will the first step towards a fulfilling, exciting and well-paid career in this area for many."

AMTCE was set up by Martin O'Brien, CEO of the LMETB, and was the first to introduce training for 3DCP on the island of Ireland.

Martin O’Brien said: "As the construction industry faces the dual challenges of an ageing workforce and declining interest among the younger generation, LMETB takes a proactive stance in addressing these issues through training focused on 3DCP technology."

The announcement of the courses follows in the wake of the success of Ireland's first 3D concrete printed homes at Grange Close in Dundalk, which has received widespread national and international media attention.

The Grange Close housing development was the result of a partnership between the LMETB, Louth County Council, Irish construction technology company Harcourt Technologies (HTL), construction firm Roadstone, and Harcourt Architects.

Martin O'Brien introduced Louth County Council to the idea of using 3DCP to deliver much needed social housing faster than a regular build. Construction of the three houses began in May 2024 and was completed in November 2024, reducing normal construction timelines by 35%.

For more information, visit www.amtce.ie