The Irish Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has called for Ireland to join the Timber in Construction Working Group
The Timber in Construction Working Group works to increase the use of timber by challenging regulations and standards that currently make timber use difficult. The group is also focused on boosting the use of home-grown timber.
Timber in Construction Working Group brings together industry experts and Government Departments and Agencies, with an independent Chair. The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine will be the secretariat to the group and a Chair will be appointed once the group’s membership is complete.
The benefits of using timber in construction
Using timber in the built environment is crucial in reaching climate targets. Wood helps store carbon in buildings and reduces dependence on materials from non-renewable sources.
The construction sector in Ireland is responsible for approximately 37% of carbon emissions, which is equivalent to the emissions produced by agriculture. Houses built from timber generate 40% or less carbon per square meter than those built from concrete.
The working group will work with Government Departments responsible for forest resource development, the built environment, innovation, and market development. Industry professionals will also provide input.
Ireland wants to keep up with the rest of Europe
“I am delighted to announce this call for expressions of interest from representative bodies, Universities and industry experts. Right across Europe, we are seeing increased use of timber as a reliable, sustainable material in the construction of large-scale buildings,” said senator Pippa Hackett.
“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,” she continued.
Minister Hackett announced the plans to join the Timber in Construction Working Group during a visit to the University of Galway. There she met a team of researchers who have been leading the study of timber construction for several years.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to host the Minister today and demonstrate the excellent work that is currently taking place in timber research in Ireland. We welcome the establishment of the new Timber Group in Construction and will be delighted to assist in its work,” said professor Annette Harte from Galway University.
