TRA launches Ireland group and signs MoU with STA

21 April 2017


The Trussed Rafter Association (TRA) has announced a number of new initiatives including a new Ireland group and a memorandum of understanding with the Structural Timber Association (STA) to reinforce the close working relationship between the two bodies.

The new Ireland group within the TRA has seven members already from the Republic and Northern Ireland, including Armstrong Timber Engineering, ATS Trusses Ltd, Cork Roof Truss Company, Harmony Timber Solutions Ltd, Magtruss and Quinn Building Supplies.

The Ireland group aims to become the leading authority on timber trussed rafters and metal web joists for the relevant authorities such as HomeBond, the National Standard Authority of Ireland and Building Control Northern Ireland.

“The creation of this group provides fabricators and suppliers with a much more structured and proactive way to address market issues in the country,” said Alan Armstrong, TRA Ireland group chair.

He said the group’s primary aim was to raise standards.

The TRA Ireland group will soon be served by a new website carrying specific news, projects and technical guidance for the Irish market.

Meanwhile, the new collaboration with the STA is designed to pave the way for important product quality improvements and increased skills in wall, roof and floor construction for the benefit of housebuilders and developers.

They are currently working with regulatory organisations and new build warranty providers including the NHBC to develop endorsed technical guidance for spandrel and gable panels, and will be working on updated codes of practice for timber roof and floor construction.

Jonathan Fellingham, TRA chairman, said the organisations had much in common and could help grow the market for timber products through sharing their knowledge and collaborating on research and technical development on areas such as fire safety, site practice and construction safety.

“This agreement helps establish a sustainable, long-term cooperation between two professional and proactive trade associations, for the direct benefit of the broader construction industry, our members and our customers in commercial and new housing sectors,” said Alex Goodfellow, chairman of the STA.