Ministers commission timber-framed homes study

The Government is to commission a special study into whether timber-frame homes would help meet the country’s growing demand for housing.

Ministers believe 500,000 new homes will be needed in the next 10 years, and are now working out how best to supply them.

Almost 50,000 new houses have been built across the country in the last year, but housing minister Robert Molloy said building more timber-frame houses could speed up the process.

Currently about 12% of new homes are built in this way but before a major programme goes ahead a study must be undertaken to decide if this is the best way forward.

‘‘This form of construction could make a significant contribution to the achievement of the overall national housing plan over the coming years,’’ Mr Molloy said.

‘‘This study will provide everybody, Government, the consumer and industry with an independent analysis of the current position and chart the way forward for the role of timber frame housing in contributing to our overall housing stock,’’ he added.

The study should be completed by the middle of next year.