Timber in Construction Steering Group
- Published on: 28 February 2024
- Last updated on: 3 April 2025
- Introduction
- Findings
- Membership
- Meeting Documents
- Relevant Documents
- Thematic Groups
- Documents in Ireland and EU Context
Introduction
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.
The Steering Group is made up of representatives of key industry bodies, as well as senior representatives of relevant government departments and agencies with responsibilities for policy and development of sectors. The Independent Chair was appointed by Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett. The group members were appointed by Minister of State Hackett and reports to the Senior Officials Group for Climate and Environment and the Housing for All Industry Capability Working Group as well as an annual report to Government.
Findings
In October 2024, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Senator Pippa Hackett, announced the publication of two reports titled “Global Policies Influencing the Greater Adoption of Timber in Construction” and “Timber in Construction Academic Survey”.
Membership
| Name | Industry & Representative Bodies |
| J Owen Lewis | Chair |
| Andrew Carpenter | UK Structural Timber Association |
| David Browne | RIAI- Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland |
| Dermot O’Donnell | Fire Safety Engineer, Arup |
| Des O’Toole | Coillte |
| Duncan Stewart | Earth Horizon Productions |
| Hugh O’Connor | Building Materials Federation - IBEC |
| Pat Barry | Irish Green Building Council |
| Patrick McGetrick | TERG- University of Galway |
| Peter De Lacy Staunton | ITFMA- Irish Timber Frame Manufacturers Association |
| Sarah-Jane Pisciotti | Innovation and Design, SISK |
| Name | Departments, Public Bodies & Agencies |
| Paul Savage | Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine |
| Seán Armstrong | Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
| Brian Carroll | Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications |
| Joseph Cummins | Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
| Ciaran O'Connor | OPW- Office of Public Works |
| John Brannigan | City and County Managers Association (CCMA) |
Meeting Documents
Minutes
Agenda
Relevant Documents
• Timber in Construction Steering Group: Terms of Reference
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.
Thematic Groups
| Theme | Secretariat |
| Timber in Construction Steering Group | DAFM |
| Theme 1: Market Opportunity | DETE |
| Theme 2: Regulation, Standards and Compliance | DHLGH |
| Theme 3: Public Procurement and Demonstration Projects | OPW |
| Theme 4: Research and Development | University of Galway |
| Theme 5: Communication, Education, Training and Public Awareness | Coillte |
Documents in Ireland and EU Context
- Forest Strategy 2023-2030
- Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland
- Climate Action Plan 2024
- National Development Plan 2021-2030
- Modern Methods of Construction Introductory Guide
- Forests and wood products, and their importance in climate change mitigation
- Irelands 4th National Biodiversity Plan
- European Green Deal
- Building a Zero Carbon Ireland