€27 million to accelerate Ireland's circular economy transition

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien, and Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon, has announced over €27 million in funding from the Circular Economy Fund to support a wide range of initiatives aimed at advancing Ireland's transition to a circular economy.

This annual allocation will empower local authorities, community groups, and organisations across the country to implement innovative projects that reduce waste, extend the life of materials, and promote sustainable resource use.

A circular economy is a model that prioritises reuse, repair, recycling, and sustainable design — moving away from the traditional 'take-make-dispose' approach. The Circular Economy Fund, which is financed through environmental levies on plastic bags, landfill, and waste recovery, plays a vital role in supporting this transition.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister O'Brien said:

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

Speaking at the announcement, Minister of State Dillon said:

"This funding represents a significant investment in Ireland's sustainable future. 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."

Key initiatives supported by the fund in previous years:

• Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS): Launched in 2021, this scheme currently supports 13 projects tackling issues such as plastic waste, construction and demolition waste, food waste prevention, and raw material efficiency
• EPA Circular Economy Programme (2021–2027): Focused on licensing, data monitoring, and implementation, this programme builds the evidence base for circular economy policy and practice
• Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI): Since 2017, the ADI has funded local clean-up and prevention projects. In 2024 alone, 224 projects were delivered, including bulky waste collections and hazardous waste amnesties
• Irish Environmental Network (IEN): A coalition of environmental NGOs that promotes sustainability through education, citizen science, and policy development
• Food Circle Project: Supports Ireland's National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap (2023–2025), with a focus on food donation, waste measurement, and innovation
• Irish Green Building Council (IGBC): Non-profit organisation that was launched in 2011 with organisations and businesses from across the value chain of the built environment. These include architects, engineers, contractors, universities, professional institutes, NGOs, local authorities, energy companies, leading national and transnational companies. All are united in one common goal to accelerate the transformation of the built environment to one that is sustainable through leadership, research, education, and providing policy input to national and local government
• Community Resources Network Ireland (CRNI): The only community reuse and recycling network in Ireland, it has, along with its members, the potential to play a unique and valuable role in the development of resource efficiency and circular economy initiatives at both local and national levels

https://www.corporatetraining.ie/what-is-the-circular-economy/