Irish government pledges €27 million to accelerate circular economy transition

The Irish government has announced over €27 million in new funding from the Circular Economy Fund, to support various initiatives aimed at accelerating the country’s transition to a circular economy.

The annual allocation will support local authorities, community groups, and organisations across Ireland in implementing projects that help to reduce waste, extend the life of materials, and promote the reuse, repair, and recycling of resources.

‘A more resilient future’

“This year’s circular economy funding continues to advance initiatives that rethink waste, restore and protect environmental balance and empower communities to shape climate solutions,” commented Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien TD.

“We are proud to support these initiatives as we endeavour to build a more resilient future for all.”

Initiatives supported by the Circular Economy Fund in recent years include the Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS), a scheme to tackle plastic waste, construction and demolition waste, food waste prevention, and raw material efficiency; the Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI), which has funded local clean-up and waste prevention projects; and the Food Circle Project, an initiative to support Ireland’s National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap (2023–2025).

Elsewhere, the Irish Green Building Council has been a recipient of funding in past years, to support its efforts to transition the built environment to a more sustainable template.

Also supported are grassroots organisations such as the Irish Environmental Network and Community Resources Network Ireland.

‘Significant investment’

“This funding represents a significant investment in Ireland’s sustainable future,” added Minister of State for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon TD.

“By supporting circular economy initiatives, we are not only reducing waste and protecting our environment but also fostering innovation and creating green jobs. The projects funded through this allocation will serve as powerful examples of how communities and businesses can lead the way in building a more resilient, resource-efficient Ireland.”

Pictured are Minister of State Dillon; Fernanda Rocha, Project Manager, Irish Green Buildings Council (IGBC); Minister O’Brien; and Chris Mooney-Brown, Executive Director, Community Resources Network Ireland (CRNI). Read more here.