The group will be tasked with examining conditions to increase the use of timber in construction, assessing regulatory and standardisation challenges to greater use of timber in construction, and maximising the use of home-grown timber. The group will bring together a range of industry expertise and relevant Government departments and agencies, with an independent chair. The DAFM will provide the secretariat to the group and a chair will be appointed once the group’s membership has been finalised.
The use of timber in construction and the built environment will play an important role in meeting our climate targets. Wood locks up carbon in buildings and reduces our reliance on materials made from non-renewable resources. The working group will bring together key Government departments that have important roles in developing the forest resource, the built environment, including innovation and market development. Key to the success of the group will be the input from industry and experts in construction.
Commenting, Minister Hackett said: “We want to hear from professionals who have the knowledge and expertise to work together with relevant Government departments and State agencies to examine how we can increase the use of timber in the Irish construction sector. Right across Europe we are seeing increased use of timber as a reliable, sustainable material in the construction of large-scale buildings. The use of engineered wood such as cross laminated timber is facilitating new methods of construction, and we need to explore opportunities to embrace this shift here in Ireland. “We are establishing the Timber in Construction Working Group because we believe that the best way to unlock the potential for much greater use of timber in construction in Ireland is through industry experts collaborating with Government departments and State agencies to assess where the barriers are, and how they can be overcome.” The minister made the announcement while visiting a team of researchers at the University of Galway who have been at the cutting edge of timber research over many years. The closing date for receipt of applications for expression of Interest is 3pm, July 28 2023 and details are available on the DAFM’s website.