The Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA) forestry and timber yearbook for 2025 was officially launched this week, marking the 36th edition of this comprehensive resource. With 208 pages packed with valuable information tailored for timber growers, forestry professionals, the timber industry, and the wider public, the yearbook stands as a vital reference guide in the sector.
Established in 1977, the Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA) has been a cornerstone in supporting the growth and development of private sector forestry in Ireland. The association’s core mission revolves around advocating for woodland owners, providing essential information, and fostering the expansion of forestry practices across the country.
The unveiling of the yearbook was a momentous occasion, graced by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Senator Pippa Hackett. In her remarks, Senator Hackett commended the dedication and contributions of forest owners, emphasizing their pivotal role in supplying sustainably grown timber to the construction industry.
“Timber’s significance in our built environment is steadily rising,” noted Senator Hackett, citing the positive strides made by the Timber in Construction Steering Group, an initiative she spearheaded last year. She stressed the need to cultivate conducive conditions that bolster markets and opportunities for locally sourced Irish timber, underscoring the potential of sustainable forest management in decarbonizing the construction sector.
Reflecting on the publication, Brendan Lacey, chair of the Irish Timber Growers Association, lauded the 2025 yearbook for its comprehensive coverage of multipurpose forestry in Ireland. He highlighted the inclusion of new measures in the Forestry Programme, as well as Ireland’s innovative utilization of wood in construction projects, along with recent updates on timber prices reflecting market dynamics.
Lacey further emphasized the yearbook’s role in showcasing the diverse benefits of forestry, spanning economic, environmental, and social dimensions. He expressed gratitude to the main sponsors of the yearbook – Coillte, the Murray Timber Group, Bord na Móna, and DAFM – as well as the array of companies, organizations, and individuals who have lent their support to this pivotal publication.
By encapsulating the latest trends, insights, and developments in the forestry and timber sector, the 2025 ITGA yearbook stands as a testament to the vibrancy and potential of Ireland’s forestry industry. As the nation continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities in this crucial sector, the yearbook remains a beacon of knowledge and guidance for all stakeholders involved in shaping the future of forestry in Ireland.
