Study on Timber Frame Housing for Public Consultation
Mr. Martin Cullen T.D., Minster for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, July 2003

Mr. Martin Cullen T.D., Minster for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government today (Monday 15th December) published an expert study on the use of timber frame housing in Irish conditions for public consultation.

The study is open for comments by interested parties up until 19th March 2004.

The Study was undertaken in the context of the need to supplement traditional methods of housing provision in order to achieve the level of output envisaged in the National Development Plan 2000-2006. The study examined all aspects relating to the use of timber frame housing in Irish conditions including private sector, local authority and voluntary housing.

In particular, the study examined whether changes were needed in the Technical Guidance Documents & other guidance documents in relation to the compliance of timber frame housing with the Building Regulations.

Given the extensive nature of the findings and the recommendations in the report the Minister has decided, before acting on the report, to initiate a consultation process and is encouraging interested parties to submit their views on the report and its recommendations.

The Minister said: “The recommendations in the report have wide ranging implications for the housing construction industry and for my Department in relation to the Building Regulations and public procurement policy. I want to hear the views of all parties with a legitimate interest, including timber frame manufacturers, designers, builders, insurers and standards agencies”.

The Study was undertaken by the Timber Frame Housing 2002 Consortium led by Anthony Reddy Associates, Architects and Planning consultants. The other members of the Consortium are TRADA Technology Ltd, Timber Consultants, Coll & McCarthy Architects/JA McCarthy, Fire Safety Consultancy, Arup Consultancy Engineers and Gardiner & Theobald (Ireland) Ltd., Cost Consultants.

The Report can be accessed on the Department’s website at www.environ.ie. The Report is also available on CD-Rom from Aidan Smith, Building Standards Section, Custom House, Dublin 1. Ph: 01 8882371.

A notice is being published in the national newspapers inviting submissions from interested parties by 19 March 2004.