3D printed homes success spurs interest in 3D construction careers
In response to increased demand, LMETB’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk has announced monthly courses in Advanced Construction Technologies, which includes 3D concrete printing, to run throughout 2025, with a fully certified programme to follow later this year. It follows in the wake of the success of Ireland’s first 3D concrete printed homes at Grange Close in Dundalk, which has received widespread national and international media attention.
The housing development at Grange Close in Dundalk was the result of a partnership between the Louth & Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB), Louth County Council Irish construction technology company Harcourt Technologies (HTL), construction firm Roadstone, and Harcourt Architects.
Martin O’Brien, the chief executive of LMETB with one of the families moving into the first ever 3D concrete printed homes built in Ireland and the UK, at Grange Close in Dundalk.
AMTCE was set up by Martin O’Brien, CEO of the LMETB, and was the first to introduce training for 3D concrete printing (3DCP) on the island of Ireland. Martin O’Brien said, “As the construction industry faces the dual challenges of an ageing workforce and declining interest among the younger generation, LMETB takes a proactive stance in addressing these issues through training focused on 3DCP technology. 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, O’Brien continued.
Martin O’Brien introduced Louth County Council to the idea of using 3D construction printing to deliver much needed social housing faster than a regular build. Construction of the three houses began in May 2024 and was completed in November 2024, reducing normal construction timelines by 35%.
Justin Kinsella, managing director, HTL Technologies, Gerard Smith, director of AMTCE with Martin O’Brien, chief executive of LMETB and Sadie Ward McDermott, director of further education and training, at the official handover of the 3D concrete printed homes at Grange Close in Dundalk, the first ever to be built in Ireland and the UK.
Gerard Smith, director of AMTCE, said “Close to 200 people have already attended our 3D concrete printing courses to date and now the global success of the Grange Close project has increased demand yet again. In 2025, we are running monthly two-day courses, providing a comprehensive overview of this technology and aimed at busy contractors, tradespeople, architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and those working in other construction-related or additive manufacturing roles.
Furthermore, an educationally certified programme in 3D concrete printing is due to be launched later in 2025 and it will the first step towards a fulfilling, exciting and well-paid career in this area for many.” Smith continued.
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. www.amtce.ie
