The Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, farm safety and horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae, has met with the timber in construction steering group to review the progress made over the past year.

At the meeting, they also discussed key emerging recommendations aimed at increasing the use of timber in construction and the built environment.

Minister Healy-Rae said: "Ireland has a significant opportunity to expand the use of timber in construction, supporting our climate goals while delivering housing needs. Sustainable timber construction practices will require us to build smarter, higher and safer.

"The work of this group is vital in identifying the approaches to wider adoption of timber construction, and to finding practical solutions," he added

The minister believes, that a coordinated approach through this steering group, across all relevant stakeholders including government, industry, and research institutions, will provide the catalyst for change.

"I look forward to the group's annual report and interim recommendations being brought to cabinet shortly, setting the course for the next phase of this important work," Minister Healy-Rae said.

The timber in construction steering group was established in November 2023, and focuses on five key thematic areas,

These areas are: market opportunity, regulation and standards; public procurement and demonstration projects; research and development; and communication and education.

The chair of the group, Professor J. Owen Lewis said: “With a strong focus on collaboration, the group has already made progress in identifying pathways to increase confidence in timber as a mainstream construction material.

"Work is ongoing to identify potential markets for increasing the use of timber in both public and private sector construction, thereby decreasing embodied carbon emissions," he added.

According to Lewis, the group has engaged in raising awareness among architects, engineers, and policymakers about the benefits and feasibility of timber in construction, and will continue to engage with wider audiences.