Tipperary firm Clancy Construction is the first to secure approval under Enterprise Ireland’s Built to Innovate initiative, which aims to achieve faster, higher quality construction of housing by providing funding support for productivity training, innovation and paperless systems. The announcement was made as Clancy Construction celebrates on time and on budget completion of a 554-bed project in Cork City using off-site construction methods.
Their use of off-site construction reduced the overall personnel required on site at the Bandon Road student accommodation development, whilst simultaneously increasing productivity, despite repeated delays caused by 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.
The completed Bandon Road project comprises 77 apartments spread across five 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 just 16 weeks.
MD of Clancy Construction, John O’Shaughnessy, 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. 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.”