Coillte has welcomed the publication of a report outlining a roadmap to scale up the use of timber in building.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon brought The Timber in Construction Steering Group’s final report and recommendations to Cabinet yesterday (Tuesday, June 9).

The steering group, established in 2023, brought together over 60 organisations across government, industry, and academia.

The recommendations contained in the report are supported by technical studies, international policy reviews, and market surveys.

Coillte

Coillte said the report marks "an important shift from policy debate to implementation", by providing a "practical, system-wide roadmap to address barriers to timber adoption in Ireland", particularly in the areas of regulation, procurement, skills and knowledge.

The semi-State forestry company said that using more timber in construction provides "a clear pathway" to meeting Ireland's carbon reduction targets.

Commenting on the report, Imelda Hurley, chief executive officer (CEO) of Coillte, said:

"The recommendations, including the establishment of the Timber Knowledge Development and Innovation Facility, the introduction of a wood-first approach in public procurement; and the development of national standards, are critical to unlocking progress.

"Building on the strong collaboration between government, industry and academia to date, we look forward to collaborating with all key stakeholders to progress the implementation of the report’s recommendations."

Hurley noted that the use of timber in construction in Ireland still significantly below European levels.

"Delivering more homes while meeting our legally binding climate targets requires decisive action.

"Timber offers a renewable, low-carbon solution that can support both, while strengthening Ireland’s forestry and construction sectors.

By using more Irish timber in construction we can create jobs, boost domestic manufacturing and enhance our security of supply," she said.