Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, responsible for forestry, farm safety, and horticulture, recently convened with the timber in construction steering group to evaluate the advancements achieved in the last year. During the gathering, they delved into crucial emerging recommendations designed to boost the utilization of timber in construction and the built environment. Minister Healy-Rae emphasized the potential for Ireland to enhance timber usage in construction to aid climate objectives and meet housing demands. He stressed the necessity for sustainable timber construction practices that prioritize smarter, taller, and safer structures.
The minister underscored the significance of the group’s efforts in pinpointing strategies for broader adoption of timber construction and devising practical solutions. He highlighted the importance of a unified approach through the steering group involving various stakeholders like government, industry, and research bodies, as a driving force for change. Minister Healy-Rae eagerly anticipates the presentation of the group’s annual report and interim recommendations to the cabinet, setting the trajectory for the next phase of this critical initiative.
The timber in construction steering group, established in November 2023, concentrates on five key thematic areas, including market opportunities, regulation and standards, public procurement and demonstration projects, research and development, and communication and education. Professor J. Owen Lewis, chair of the group, emphasized the collaborative nature of their work, highlighting their progress in identifying pathways to bolster confidence in timber as a mainstream construction material. The group is actively exploring potential markets to increase timber usage in both public and private sector construction, thereby reducing embodied carbon emissions.
Lewis mentioned the group’s efforts in raising awareness among architects, engineers, and policymakers about the advantages and feasibility of timber in construction. They are committed to further engaging with broader audiences to promote the benefits of timber as a sustainable construction material.
