Multi residential developments lead Ireland’s MMC uptake
Ireland’s uptake of Modern Methods of Construction MMC has accelerated sharply, with new government MMC data showing that industrialised construction is now embedded across the majority of large-scale housing delivery. The figures mark a shift in Ireland MMC policy from targeted programmes to mainstream application, particularly in multi residential developments.
Commencement data published in January by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage shows that 3,065 new homes were started in December 2025, more than double the November total and the highest monthly result of the year. Apartments accounted for 1,820 starts, multi residential developments 979, and one-off homes 266. The term multi residential developments refers to grouped housing delivered at scale and aligns with what Irish data classifies as scheme dwellings.
While total commencements for 2025 reached 16,412 units, below the 2024 figure influenced by temporary incentives, the longer-term trend remains upward. Across 2024 and 2025 combined, 85,723 homes were commenced, representing a 43 per cent increase compared with the previous two-year period. Over the last five years, Ireland has commenced more than 176,000 new homes.
NB: In Irish housing data, “scheme” refers to multi residential developments delivered at scale.
Ireland MMC concentrated in multi residential delivery
For the first time, government MMC reporting now captures intended construction methods at the commencement stage. Data drawn from the Building Control Management System provides a clearer view of how MMC is being applied across housing typologies.
In December 2025, MMC accounted for around 69 per cent of development commencements, compared with approximately 47 per cent of apartment starts and just over 10 per cent of one off homes. This distribution highlights where industrialised construction is gaining traction, particularly where scale, repetition and programme certainty are priorities.
Across the second half of 2025, MMC was intended to be used in 69 per cent of multi residential developments nationally and 44 per cent of apartments. Apartment uptake varied month to month, reflecting the project driven nature of multi residential construction rather than a uniform increase across the sector.
MMC activity was also geographically concentrated. Dublin City and Fingal recorded the highest volumes of MMC commencements between July and December 2025, followed by South Dublin, Cork County and Cork City, indicating that Ireland MMC growth is being driven by a relatively small number of local authority pipelines.
Government MMC policy and materials shift
Government MMC strategy is embedded within Ireland’s Housing Action Plan Delivering Homes Building Communities 2025–2030. Commenting on the December figures, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD said the increase in commencements reflected rising confidence and the need to maintain delivery momentum.
Materials data shows a clear pattern within multi residential developments, where timber frame dominates MMC delivery. Apartment construction remains centred on precast concrete, reinforced concrete and masonry block, with light gauge steel also present across several authorities.
By embedding MMC within monthly commencement reporting and public delivery programmes, government MMC policy has shifted from aspiration to measurable delivery. The data indicates that industrialised construction is now a core component of Ireland’s housing response, particularly in projects designed for speed, scale and repeatability.
Find the Irish Governments MMC data HERE
