€8 Million Invested in Timber Construction Research

Over €8 million has been invested in cutting-edge research to advance timber and wood-based construction in Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine revealed today.

The newly launched report, ‘Pioneering Research and Innovation for Timber and Wood-Based Products in Ireland,’ outlines how this funding is driving innovation across the sector to support sustainable building and maximize the value of home-grown timber.

Minister Martin Heydon TD highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to forestry and timber research as vital for meeting evolving policy and industry needs. He said the investment reflects a strong focus on using Ireland’s forest resources to create a renewable and environmentally friendly building environment.

Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae praised the progress made in the sawmilling and forest sectors, noting that past research has helped build a highly advanced processing industry. He stressed that continued innovation will enhance sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness while benefiting rural communities.

Minister of State Noel Grealish described the report as a comprehensive overview of recent research covering areas such as structural performance, environmental impact, material development, and engineered wood products. He emphasized how the findings have practical applications for policy, industry, and society.

Featured projects include SAOLWood, which is developing Ireland’s first national database to track the environmental footprint of timber products, aiding sustainable construction and climate policies. The MODCONS project focuses on modular mass timber buildings that use prefabrication to speed construction, reduce waste, and improve performance. WoodProps is helping define the structural capabilities of Irish timber species and shape national and European standards.

The Timber in Construction Steering Group, a multi-stakeholder body coordinating this work, aims to increase the use of timber in construction while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. The group’s efforts support Ireland’s transition to a circular bioeconomy and greener building practices.

The full report is available online via the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.