New initiative used on city student accommodation
A new initiative aimed at achieving a faster, higher quality construction of housing was carried out during the construction of student accommodation in Cork city.
Tipperary firm Clancy Construction was the first firm to secure approval under Enterprise Ireland’s Built to Innovate initiative.
It works by providing funding support for productivity training, innovation and the introduction of digital, paperless systems.
The use of off-site construction reduced the overall personnel required on site of the 554 bed Bandon Road student accommodation development and at the same time increased productivity, despite repeated delays caused by Covid-19 lockdowns.
The opening of the new scheme ahead of the new college term is also expected to free up accommodation in urban Cork and return it to the rental market, those behind the project said.
Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath said: “Schemes such as this will help the construction sector prove new technologies that will ultimately help speed up the delivery of big infrastructure projects.
“We’re on a pathway to delivering 300,000 new homes between now and 2030 and modern methods of construction are going to play a significant role in achieving this.”
The completed Bandon Road project comprises 77 apartments spread across 5 blocks with the frames manufactured and assembled off site. The frames were then delivered and quickly erected on site.
Bathroom pods were also assembled in the same way. The model of construction meant that an individual apartment block of 5-6 storey high was constructed and weatherproof in an 18 week period with the internal finishing cycle taking 16 weeks.
John O’Shaughnessy, Managing Director of Clancy Construction said: “We were delighted to work with Enterprise Ireland on this new scheme which forms part of the Housing for All initiative. This project was halted for 12 weeks as a result of two Covid-19 lockdowns and also faced supply chain disruptions as well as social distancing requirements,” he added.
“However, by making use of technological advancements, lean construction and off-site construction, the development has been completed on time and within budget. It shows the value of innovation and lean processes and I am confident that it can be replicated across the residential construction sector.”
Tom Kelly, Manager, Enterprise Ireland Industrial and Lifesciences Division, said: “This project on Bandon Road proves the potential of offsite construction to accelerate the delivery of housing, within budget. Under Built to Innovate, we welcome Clancy Construction’s plans to further improve productivity with training and the introduction of advanced digital systems,” he said.