Ireland’s forestry and timber industries are in the global spotlight as Dublin hosts the International Softwood Conference 2026. The event brings together forest-sector representatives from around the world to examine sustainable production, construction demand, international trade and the future of softwood timber.
Softwood Conference 2026 comes to Dublin
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Niall Collins TD, officially opened the conference in Malahide, County Dublin, on 29 October 2026. It is the first time the long-running industry gathering has been held in Ireland.
Organised jointly by the European Timber Trade Federation and the European Organisation of Sawmills, the conference has taken place for more than 70 years and rotates between European locations. The 2026 meeting ran from 28 to 29 October, attracting delegates from Europe and further afield.
In his address, Minister Collins highlighted the role of softwoods in supplying renewable, sustainably grown timber for construction. He also emphasised that sustainable forest management remains central to Ireland’s forestry policy and the wider development of the rural economy.
Ireland’s timber sector supports rural employment
Ireland’s forest sector processed more than five million cubic metres of timber in 2025. This supply came from State forests and more than 24,500 private forest owners, supporting employment and economic activity in rural communities.
Irish exports of coniferous timber were valued at €184.3 million in 2025. The figure demonstrates the importance of forestry not only as an environmental resource, but also as a source of income for landowners, sawmills, manufacturers and exporters.
- More than five million cubic metres of timber processed in 2025
- Over 24,500 forest owners contributing to the national timber resource
- €184.3 million in Irish coniferous timber exports during 2025
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Softwood demand creates new market opportunities
The conference also focused on the contribution timber can make to lowering emissions in the built environment. Timber products are used in construction, pallets, packaging and other applications, while responsible forestry can help maintain a renewable supply of materials.
Minister Collins said growing demand for softwood timber could create valuable opportunities for Irish producers and forest owners. The international market is expected to remain significant, particularly as economies seek lower-carbon building materials and more sustainable supply chains.
The 2026 United Nations State of the World’s Forests report projects that worldwide demand for wood products could rise by approximately one-third by 2050, with especially strong growth expected in emerging economies. That outlook reinforces the need for efficient forestry management, investment and resilient trade networks.
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What the conference means for Ireland
Hosting the International Softwood Conference gives Ireland an opportunity to showcase its forestry sector to international buyers, producers and industry organisations. It also places renewed attention on the relationship between sustainable woodland management, rural development and climate-conscious construction.
With global demand for timber forecast to increase, the conference provides a platform for discussing how Ireland can strengthen production, support forest owners and expand value across the timber supply chain.
Conclusion
The International Softwood Conference 2026 underlines the growing importance of sustainable timber in Ireland and across global markets. With strong domestic processing, significant coniferous timber exports and rising demand for renewable construction materials, the softwood sector could play an increasingly important role in Ireland’s rural economy and climate response.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie