Dublin hosts international softwood conference 2026
The International Softwood Conference convened in Malahide, bringing global forestry leaders together to explore opportunities in sustainable timber. This inaugural Irish event highlights the vital role of softwoods in renewable construction and rural employment across Ireland.
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The International Softwood Conference 2026 took place in Malahide, County Dublin, marking the first occasion the event has been hosted in Ireland. Minister of State Niall Collins, responsible for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, officially opened the conference, emphasising the importance of softwoods in renewable and sustainably grown timber for construction purposes.
Organised jointly by the European Timber Trade Federation (ETTF) and the European Organisation of Sawmills (EOS), the annual gathering attracts representatives from the global forest sector to discuss challenges and opportunities. Ireland’s forestry industry processed over five million cubic metres of timber in 2025, sourced from state forests and more than 24,500 private forest owners, supporting rural employment.
Minister Collins highlighted the sector’s significant contribution to decarbonising the built environment and boosting international trade through wood packaging. With exports of Irish coniferous timber reaching €184.3 million last year, growing global demand offers promising market prospects. The United Nations’ 2026 State of the World’s Forests report projects wood product demand to rise by about one-third by 2050, particularly in emerging economies, underscoring the sector’s expanding potential.
Organised jointly by the European Timber Trade Federation (ETTF) and the European Organisation of Sawmills (EOS), the annual gathering attracts representatives from the global forest sector to discuss challenges and opportunities. Ireland’s forestry industry processed over five million cubic metres of timber in 2025, sourced from state forests and more than 24,500 private forest owners, supporting rural employment.
Minister Collins highlighted the sector’s significant contribution to decarbonising the built environment and boosting international trade through wood packaging. With exports of Irish coniferous timber reaching €184.3 million last year, growing global demand offers promising market prospects. The United Nations’ 2026 State of the World’s Forests report projects wood product demand to rise by about one-third by 2050, particularly in emerging economies, underscoring the sector’s expanding potential.
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