James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

There seem to be differing views on timber frames and what can be used. I was in Copenhagen for a couple of days due an event relating to the Danish Presidency. The housing crisis is now right across Europe. The minister for housing in Denmark highlighted that there is a very significant difference even between Stockholm and Copenhagen when it comes to how high apartments can be.

This matter is being kept under review as part of the building regulations. Safety is always paramount for us. Every country is different, and we have to look at what will work here. The programme for Government states that at least 20% of all housing will include modern methods of construction, whether that is 2D or 3D volumetric. We are probably over the 20% mark at this stage. We want to drive on as much as possible. I certainly hear what the Chair is saying in respect of apartments, but we will always err on the side of caution. We are examining if we can go much higher with timber frames. It would be good if we could, but we will always act on the basis of the precautionary principle. We want to make sure that the higher we go with wood, it is completely safe.