Taoiseach supports Offaly TD's call for more investment in construction training at Mount Lucas centre

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has voiced his support for greater investment in training and upskilling construction workers at the Offaly-based National Construction Training Campus.

In the Dáil yesterday (Tuesday), Offaly Fianna Fáil TD Tony McCormack said urgently increasing investment in modern methods of construction at the construction training campus in Mount Lucas would be key to resolving Ireland's housing crisis.

Deputy McCormack used his speaking time to highlight the role modern methods of construction (MMC) can play in reducing the cost of building apartments, speeding up delivery, and supporting more compact, sustainable development.

He said that the national MMC training centre, located in Mount Lucas and operated by Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), was a facility that was already delivering real results.

"We have a top-class centre in Mont Lucas and great work being done in Galway University," McCormack said.

"With the right investment and proper incentives for construction workers to upskill, we can modernise the sector, lower costs, and support a greener way of building."

In his response, the Taoiseach agreed with the call for additional funding and committed to sitting down with Deputy McCormack and the Minister for Further and Higher Education to look at how this can be delivered.

"I could not agree more with Deputy McCormack on modern methods of construction and I would be very interested in the further education sector dealing with that issue," said Micheál Martin.

"There is capacity in that sector and in Mount Lucas, in particular. I might talk to the Deputy about that later. Certainly, we should talk both to the Minister of State for further and higher education, Deputy Marian Harkin, and the Minister, Deputy Lawless, in respect of pursuing that agenda."

Speaking after the exchange, Deputy McCormack said: "This is a big opportunity for Offaly. Mont Lucas is already leading in this space. If we back it properly, we can help solve the housing crisis, support our local workforce, and make Offaly a hub for construction innovation.

"It's the old saying — we need to work smarter, not harder. But I believe we should do both."

As the Government continues to face pressure to increase housing supply, Deputy McCormack said, "The skills and solutions exist — and they're right here in Offaly."