A new report on the engineered wood products (EWP) market in Ireland offers “food for thought” to companies looking to move into the sector, according to minister for forestry Mary Wallace.
The report, published by the National Council for Forest Research and Development (Coford), addresses the types of EWP available, applications, required investments and supply of materials. It is aimed at those firms looking to start producing EWP.
COFORD said that the report was a “starting point in considering these issues in depth”, with Ms Wallace adding that it highlighted opportunities for a number of related industries.
“There is food for thought in this report for all sectors of the forest industry in Ireland, particularly for growers to realise the importance of growing quality wood,” she said.
“And of course, for the processing and end-using sectors to realise the opportunities that [the report] identifies.”
The launch of the report was immediately preceded by the first meeting of the new COFORD Council, which includes representatives from Woodfab Timber Ltd, Coillte Teoranta, the Irish Farmers Association, the Irish Timber Growers Association and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
