Work smarter and harder: Taoiseach backs call to invest in training centre in Offaly

“I couldn’t agree more.” That was the Taoiseach’s response to Offaly TD Tony McCormack in the Dáil this week, after McCormack called for urgent investment in training and upskilling construction workers in modern methods of construction (MMC).

Deputy McCormack used his speaking time to highlight the key role MMC can play in reducing the cost of building apartments, speeding up delivery, and supporting more compact, sustainable development — as recommended by the National Economic and Social Council (NESC).

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Crucially, he pointed to Mountlucas, the national MMC training centre located in Offaly and operated by Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), as a facility that is already delivering real results.

“We have a top-class centre in Mountlucas 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.”

The Taoiseach not only agreed with the call — he committed to sitting down with Deputy McCormack and the Minister for Further and Higher Education to look at how this can be delivered.

Speaking after the exchange, Deputy McCormack said: “This is a big opportunity for Offaly. Mountlucas 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.”

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Mountlucas, under LOETB’s leadership, has grown into a nationally recognised training centre for modern building methods — with capacity to grow even further.

As the Government continues to face pressure to increase housing supply, Deputy McCormack’s message is clear: the skills and solutions exist — and they’re right here in Offaly.