Minister Healy-Rae visits University of Galway and launches new report on timber construction research needs

Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae TD, today announced the publication of a new report “Research and Development Needs for Timber in Construction in Ireland” while visiting the University of Galway.

The report forms part of the work carried out by the Interdepartmental & Industry Working Group on Timber in Construction, which aims to increase the use of wood in construction while maximising the use of Irish-grown timber. The Minister also visited the facilities in the University of Galway and saw firsthand the research in timber currently taking place.

Emphasising the role of research in driving low-carbon construction, Minister Healy-Rae said: “With the construction sector seeking more sustainable alternatives, it is vital we recognise the role our forests can play in shaping the future of our built environment. This government is committed to supporting timber use in building projects, and I welcome the dedication of stakeholders in Ireland, researchers in particular, in identifying how innovation can help advance the use of timber in construction in Ireland.”

The report presents the results of a survey conducted among members of the Research and Development group within the Timber in Construction Steering Group. It sets out priority research and development actions to support greater use of timber in construction, sustainable building and carbon reduction.

Minister Healy-Rae added: “There is a real opportunity to increase the market for timber frame homes and the use of homegrown Irish timber in response to the housing and climate crises. There is also a growing interest in mass timber for mid- and high-rise buildings, and this report provides clear direction for targeted research.”

Minister Healy-Rae concluded: “I encourage stakeholders to embrace timber’s role in the built environment. Over the years, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has funded key timber research and green public procurement projects, helping develop the forest sector, and supporting our farmers and forest growers. We have thriving forestry and timber industries, and the time is right to integrate timber more efficiently into Ireland’s construction sector.”

Dr Patrick McGetrick of University of Galway and Chair of the Research and Development Group stated: “The publication of this report is very important for the advancement of timber construction in Ireland. Research plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and effective use of timber as a structural material. It provides scientific evidence that enhances confidence among engineers, architects, builders and the general public as end users. There are still many questions to be answered in relation to the use of wood in construction, not only from a structural design point of view, but also to maximise its performance, and to better understand the environmental benefits of its use as a source of carbon storage. Addressing these questions require academia, industry and policymakers to work together, and I am delighted to see the results and future potential of such collaboration reflected in this report.”

Ends

The Timber in Construction Steering Group

The Timber in Construction Steering Group was established to create the conditions to increase the use of timber in construction whilst ensuring the highest degree of building safety and property protection; to examine regulatory and standardisation challenges; and to maximise the use of home-grown timber in construction. gov - Timber in Construction Steering Group (www.gov.ie)

The Steering Group of 16 members and the Independent Chair were appointed by Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity. The Group is supported by five thematic groups comprising over 60 members across a wide range of stakeholders. The members represent key industry bodies, as well as senior representatives of relevant government departments and agencies with responsibilities for policy and the development of sectors. These thematic groups include:

• Market Opportunity,
• Regulation, Standards and Compliance,
• Public Procurement and Demonstration Projects,
• Research and Development, and
• Communication, Education, Training and Public Awareness.

The Timber in Construction Steering Group met for the first time on 6 November 2023, and a total of twelve meetings have been held to date.

The Government of Ireland has long supported the wood and timber industry in a number of ways: promoting sustainable forestry practices, increasing timber supply, supporting economic development in rural areas, and enhancing the competitiveness of Irish timber products both domestically and internationally. Government funding has significantly advanced research and development of the Irish forest resources, from the characterisation of timber species to the design and performance of timber building elements. More specifically, over €8 million has been provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the since 2010 on timber research projects and green public procurement that build capacity and expertise in the timber industry.

The reports are available from the Timber in Construction website.

The Timber Engineering Research Group (TERG) University of Galway

The Timber Engineering Research Group (TERG) was established at University of Galway in 2004 by Professor Annette Harte. TERG aims to support the increased use of timber as a sustainable construction material by performing technical and scientific research to create a broader understanding of the basic material and develop added-value engineered wood products. The group is affiliated with the Ryan Institute for Marine, Environmental and Energy Research.