Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
272. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the provisions he plans to facilitate the circular economy and the reuse and repair of household items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59970/25]
View answerThe forthcoming second Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy, which was recently subject to a public consultation, makes the business case for the circular economy setting a holistic vision, supporting practices such as eco-design, repair, reuse and remanufacturing. It will provide for incentives that will create a level playing field for circular economy actors, practices and products, and leverage public procurement to create a market for circular products and practices.
Product re-use and repair are the building blocks of a circular economy which can contribute to climate change mitigation by preventing resource depletion, diverting products and materials from landfills and incineration and reducing energy demand. To support this effort the forthcoming Circular Economy Strategy includes a commitment to develop a pilot repair voucher scheme.
The Directive promoting the repair of broken or defective goods, also known as the Right-to-Repair Directive, comes into effect in July, 2026. This will make it easier for consumers to seek repair instead of replacement and repair services will become more accessible, transparent, and attractive. It gives manufacturers the incentive required to make products that last longer and can be repaired, reused, and recycled.
It complements other recent EU legislation to promote sustainable consumption, such as the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation which will promote the production of repairable products and the directive on empowering consumers for the green transition which will enable consumers to make better-informed purchasing decisions at the point of sale.
These important developments will be leveraged to support the development of a more vibrant repair and reuse ecosystem in Ireland. The National Reuse and Repair Network established by the EPA plays a key role in bringing together public bodies and national organisations to facilitate knowledge sharing and engagement to support and scale reuse and repair in Ireland.
Work was commissioned by the EPA to undertake a study to support future development of the national repair directory, repairmystuff.ie. It is intended that this study will provide insights relevant to policymakers, business and other circular economy stakeholders and contribute to national discussions on the role of repair in the circular economy.
