Healy-Rae: Time to use Irish timber for construction

Irish Examiner

7 hours ago

The time is right to integrate timber more efficiently into Ireland's construction sector, according to forestry minister Michael Healy-Rae. He was speaking at the publication of a new report 'Research and Development Needs for Timber in Construction in Ireland' while visiting the University of Galway.
The report forms part of the work carried out by the interdepartmental and industry working group on timber in construction, which aims to increase the use of wood in construction while maximising the use of Irish-grown timber.
Mr Healy-Rae also visited facilities in the university, where he saw firsthand the research in timber that is currently taking place.
'With the construction sector seeking more sustainable alternatives, it is vital we recognise the role our forests can play in shaping the future of our built environment.
'This Government is committed to supporting timber use in building projects, and I welcome the dedication of stakeholders in Ireland, researchers in particular, in identifying how innovation can help advance the use of timber in construction in Ireland,' he said.
The report sets out priority research and development actions to support greater use of timber in construction, sustainable building and carbon reduction.
Mr Healy-Rae added: 'There is a real opportunity to increase the market for timber frame homes and the use of homegrown Irish timber in response to the housing and climate crises.
'There is also a growing interest in mass timber for mid- and high-rise buildings, and this report provides clear direction for targeted research,' he said.
The minister urged stakeholders to embrace timber's role in the built environment. Over the years, the Department of Agriculture funded key timber research and green public procurement projects, helping to develop the forest sector, and supporting farmers and growers.
We have thriving forestry and timber industries, and the time is right to integrate timber more efficiently into Ireland's construction sector
Dr Patrick McGetrick of University of Galway and chair of the research and development group, said the report was very important for the advancement of timber construction in Ireland.
"Research plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and effective use of timber as a structural material. It provides scientific evidence that enhances confidence among engineers, architects, builders and the public as end users.
'There are still many questions to be answered in relation to the use of wood in construction, not only from a structural design point of view, but also to maximise its performance, and to better understand the environmental benefits of its use as a source of carbon storage.
"Addressing these questions requires academia, industry and policymakers to work together, and I am delighted to see the results and future potential of such collaboration reflected in this report,' he said.
The Timber Engineering Research Group, which is affiliated with the Ryan Institute for Marine, Environmental and Energy Research, was established at University of Galway in 2004 by Professor Annette Harte to support the increased use of timber as a sustainable construction material.
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