Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
36. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide details of the €27 million funding announced for the acceleration of Ireland's circular economy transition; and the timeframe for when the funds will be issued, by county. [53488/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the funding announcement earlier this year, successful recipients of 2025 funds have already availed of funding and will continue to drawdown funds until year end.
While the allocation of funding is currently only available in aggregate form, funds have been provided to support a range of important circular national initiatives this year including the Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme, EPA Circular Economy Programme, Anti-Dumping Initiative, Irish Environmental Network and Food Circle project. In addition, funds have been allocated to support the introduction of designated waste collection systems for textiles and hazardous waste.
More information on the initiatives supported by the Fund can be found in the annual Circular Economy Fund Accounts (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/circular-economy-fund-accounts/) audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG). It should be noted the audit of the 2024 accounts has yet to be finalised as the audit of accounts are typically carried out by the C&AG in the final quarter of the subsequent year.
The Circular Economy Fund operates on an annual basis, with the €27million allocated for 2025 activities only. The Fund utilises revenues from environmental levies to provide financial support to the initiatives as prescribed for under Section 8 (9) of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 2022.
