CPAC Modular launches Ireland’s first RIAI-approved MMC course
Built Smarter 2 aims to equip construction professionals with skills in modern methods of construction as demand for faster and more sustainable delivery grows
8 May 2026 | editor@breakingground.news
CPAC Modular has launched Ireland’s first RIAI-approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course focused on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), in a move the company says will help accelerate the adoption of offsite and modular construction across the Irish built environment sector.
The new programme, Built Smarter 2, was officially unveiled at an industry event at the Irish Architectural Archive in Dublin, bringing together architects, developers and construction professionals to discuss the future role of MMC in delivering Ireland’s infrastructure pipeline.
The course follows the success of CPAC Modular’s award-winning Built Smarter 1 programme and is designed to provide architects, engineers, planners, developers and contractors with practical knowledge of how modern methods of construction have evolved in recent years.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomed the initiative, describing it as “an important milestone for the construction sector”.
“The launch of this course on Modern Methods of Construction is an important milestone for the construction sector and a clear signal of the innovation now emerging across the industry,” he said.
“By equipping architects, engineers and designers with the skills and confidence to embrace new building technologies, CPAC Modular is helping to accelerate the delivery of high-quality, sustainable projects in every part of the country.
“This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach we need as we work to build homes, schools, healthcare facilities and public infrastructure more efficiently and more responsibly. I welcome this leadership from CPAC Modular and look forward to seeing the impact it will have across the wider economy.”
CPAC Modular said the immersive course responds to growing industry demand for skills development in MMC as Ireland seeks faster and more sustainable approaches to housing and infrastructure delivery.
Speaking at the launch, Gavin Fox, Director of Business Development at CPAC Modular, said the programme was designed to challenge outdated perceptions around modular and offsite construction.
“Built Smarter 2 has been designed to give a clear, practical understanding of how MMC has advanced in recent years,” he said.
“There are still many misconceptions about what modern methods of construction can and cannot achieve. This course breaks those down and demonstrates the quality, flexibility and design potential that MMC offers today and challenges why it is not being fully utilised currently.”
The launch event also featured a panel discussion examining the future of MMC in Irish architecture and construction. Participants included Sean Murphy, Managing Director of CPAC Modular, alongside architects Rory Ryan of Ryan + Lamb Architects, Fergus Flanagan of Fergus Flanagan Architects and Barry Foote of Reddy Architecture.
Discussions focused on sustainability, delivery timelines, design flexibility and changing client expectations in relation to modular construction.
Sean Murphy said the company sees education as a key part of advancing MMC adoption in Ireland.
“We are proud to be the first to deliver an RIAI-approved CPD focused on modern methods of construction,” he said.
“Built Smarter 2 reflects our ongoing investment in innovation and education for the industry.”
The course explores the evolution of MMC, real-world case studies, sustainability and quality standards, as well as opportunities for design-led modular solutions.
Founded more than 40 years ago, CPAC Modular employs 120 people and operates from Dunshaughlin, Co Meath. The company recently completed Ireland’s first permanent modular school in Lucan, Co Dublin, in April 2025.
