WEALTH June 10, 2026 0 Comments

How Coillte’s Bold Timber Strategy Could Flip Ireland’s Construction Game Overnight—Are You Ready to Cash In?

Ever wonder if timber could be the secret MVP in Ireland’s construction game? It sounds a bit like swapping out bricks for branches, but hear me out—Coillte’s just thrown down a game-changing report that could upend the whole building scene here. After two years of wrangling with over 60 big players across government, industry, and academia, this roadmap doesn’t just nudge the idea of timber use—it practically shoves it forward. It tackles the sticky stuff: regulations, public procurement, skill gaps—you name it. Imagine a “wood-first” strategy becoming the norm, backed by a shiny new Timber Knowledge Development and Innovation Facility, aimed at sparking research, training, and collaboration nationwide. Coillte’s CEO, Imelda Hurley, is spot-on calling it a “clear and practical roadmap” because if we’re serious about hitting housing targets and slashing carbon footprints, decisive action is the name of the game. Plus, boosting Irish-grown timber isn’t just good for the planet—it’s a potential goldmine for jobs and local manufacturing, shaking up a sector that’s been late to the timber party compared to the rest of Europe. Ready to see how timber might just build Ireland’s future—literally and sustainably? LEARN MORE

Coillte has welcomed the publication of the final report from the Timber in Construction Steering Group, describing it as a significant step towards increasing the use of timber in Ireland’s construction sector and reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment.

The report, published following a two-year collaboration involving more than 60 organisations from government, industry and academia, sets out a practical roadmap to accelerate timber adoption in Irish construction.

It includes recommendations aimed at addressing barriers in areas such as regulation, public procurement, skills development and industry knowledge.

The Steering Group was established in 2023 to examine how timber can play a greater role in delivering Ireland’s housing and climate ambitions.

The report is supported by extensive research, including technical studies, market surveys and reviews of international best practice.

A key recommendation is the establishment of a Timber Knowledge Development and Innovation Facility, which will be co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.

Coordinated by Enterprise Ireland, the facility will serve as a national hub for research, training, innovation and industry collaboration.

Welcoming the report, Coillte Chief Executive Imelda Hurley said it provides “a clear and practical roadmap to significantly increase the use of timber in construction in Ireland”.

She said recommendations including the creation of the new knowledge facility, the introduction of a wood-first approach in public procurement and the development of national standards are “critical to unlocking progress”.

Hurley added that delivering new housing while meeting climate commitments will require “decisive action”.

“Timber offers a renewable, low-carbon solution that can support both, while strengthening Ireland’s forestry and construction sectors,” she said.

The report highlights the potential economic benefits of increasing the use of Irish-grown timber, including job creation, support for domestic manufacturing and greater security of supply for the construction industry.

Timber remains significantly underutilised in Ireland compared with many European countries, where timber construction is more widely adopted.

Coillte
timber — The report is supported by extensive research, including technical studies, market surveys and reviews of international best practice.

The Steering Group argues that increasing its use can help reduce embodied carbon in buildings while maintaining high standards of safety and performance.

The report is expected to shift the conversation from policy development to implementation as stakeholders begin work on delivering its recommendations.