July New report launched outlining timber construction research needs

Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae T.D., has launched a new report on timber construction research needs at University of Galway.

The publication of the new report - Research and Development Needs for Timber in Construction in Ireland - aims to support the promotion of greater use of timber in construction.

It was published by the Government’s Interdepartmental & Industry Working Group on Timber in Construction in collaboration with the Timber Engineering Research Group at University of Galway. The Working Group aims to increase the use of wood in construction while maximising the use of Irish-grown timber.

The report outlines the research and development needs to be addressed in Ireland to support promotion of greater use of timber in construction. It highlights the opportunities for further targeted research to advance the use of timber, particular mass engineered timber, whilst ensuring the highest possible degree of building safety and boosting the use of homegrown timber in construction.

To mark the publication, the Minister visited the Timber Engineering Research Group facilities in the Alice Perry Engineering Building at the University of Galway and saw firsthand the research in timber currently taking place.

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. 

Key actions identified by the report include the development of a central online repository for timber in construction including case study demonstrator projects and new technologies. It also includes an assessment of incentives to promote an increase of timber in construction, collection of data on durability performance and whole lifecycle carbon assessments for Irish timber.

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 was authored by Dr Patrick McGetrick, Chair of the Research and Development thematic group and Associate Professor in the College of Science and Engineering at University of Galway.

Dr McGetrick said: “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 for 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.” 

The Timber Engineering Research Group (TERG) was established at University of Galway in 2004 by Professor Annette Harte and is currently led by Dr Patrick McGetrick. It is an internationally recognised multi-disciplinary research group and the national leader in this area, linking academia with industry and developing international standardisation for wood products and timber construction. It 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.

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