A new 'action plan' to modernise the construction sector in Ireland has recommended that the government support the work of Timber in Construction Steering Group.

The action plan on modern methods of construction (MCC) was announced today (Monday, June 9), with the aim to modernise the construction sector, expand housing capacity, and create sustainable and skilled jobs.

The plan has been developed by the Department of Further and Higher Education in partnership with industry and education providers, and sets out 58 targeted actions across eight 'themes' to scale up adoption of MCC.

The plan was launched at Mount Lucas National Construction Training Campus in Co. Offaly, which also saw the breaking of ground on a new National Demonstration Park for MMC.

One of the actions outlined in the plan calls for the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), which regulates construction products, to engage with suppliers of MCC products to encourage their engagement in certification processes so they are eligible for future public tenders.

One of the organisations that the government will engage with under this recommendation is the Irish Timber Frame Manufacturers' Association (ITFMA).

A further recommendation in the report said that the government will support the work of the Timber in Construction Steering Group through targeted skills provision as necessary.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, as well as Solas and Skillnet Ireland, will be responsible for implementing this recommendation.

The Timber in Construction Steering Group was established in November 2023, and focuses on five key thematic areas.

These areas are: market opportunity; regulation and standards; public procurement and demonstration projects; research and development; and communication and education.

The steering group recently met with Minister of State with responsibility for forestry Michael Healy-Rae, to review the progress made in scaling up the use of timber is construction.

Speaking at the time, Minister Healy-Rae said: "Ireland has a significant opportunity to expand the use of timber in construction, supporting our climate goals while delivering housing needs. Sustainable timber construction practices will require us to build smarter, higher and safer."

“The work of this group is vital in identifying the approaches to wider adoption of timber construction, and to finding practical solutions," he added.