Article in Drogheda Life: “LMETB recognised for role in building Ireland’s first concrete printed houses”

The central role of LMETB and its chief executive Martin O’Brien in the building of Ireland’s first 3D printed houses at Grange Close in Dundalk has been recognised by the presentation to him of a miniature replica of the 3D houses by Justin Kinsella, managing director of Harcourt Technologies (HTL) the design and build contractor.

LMETB was among the first to introduce training for 3D concrete printing (3DCP) into Ireland under the umbrella of its Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE).

CEO Martin O’Brien approached Louth County Council with the idea of using 3DCP to deliver much needed social housing faster than a regular build. The local authority provided the site at Grange Close and once completed, the trio of 3D printed houses will become homes to three families currently on the Council’s social housing list.

The Grange Close project has garnered huge interest and was featured on RTE news. LMETB is the training partner on the project and has been involved in arranging visits by other ETBs, construction companies and government agencies from across the island of Ireland.

HTL said that the houses in Dundalk are being built three times faster than they would using traditional concrete blocks and that this method uses a third of the labour normally required and also reduces the build time by between 25-30%.

Justin Kinsella, Managing Director of HTL said, “Martin O’Brien’s energy and vision were instrumental in making 3D concrete printed homes a reality in Ireland. We are delighted to recognise his contribution to this groundbreaking project.”

LMETB is also the first ETB to have purchased its own 3D concrete printer, with ongoing Skills to Advance subsidised training programmes giving those working in construction related sectors access to upskilling opportunities with the innovative technology, with more than 100 people having completed training to date.

Martin O’Brien, Chief Executive of LMETB said, “The Grange Close project is a testament to what can be achieved when forward-thinking ideas and collaborative efforts come together. We are proud to play a central role in delivering Ireland’s first 3D printed homes, which will provide much-needed social housing to families in Louth.”

AMTCE was established by LMETB in 2021 and supported by SOLAS and Enterprise Ireland to deliver hands-on skills-oriented training to underpin the transition of Irish enterprise to industry 4.0 based operations, with a focus on construction, manufacturing, cybersecurity, pharma, food and drink, and engineering.