Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 December 2025
454. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress which has been made regarding securing a market for sheep wool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67453/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe marketing of Irish sheep wool is a commercial activity for the wool industry; however, I am aware that the price of wool has been at a low level for some time and that developing new markets is key to the growth of the sector.
My Department has taken several steps to support Irish wool and to find new markets. This included an in-depth study of the Irish wool market called Review Of Market Opportunities For Irish-Grown Wool Based Products, which was published in 2022.
In support of the recommendations of the report, €30,000 in seed funding was committed to the establishment of the independent Irish Grown Wool Council, which was launched in 2023.
Another step has been the allocation of research funding for the SPRING WOOL project. This is a Munster Technological University-led project that focuses on removing obstacles to the sale of Irish wool and providing a springboard for innovation in the sector. The project has received €574,683 in funding and involves different strands of research to develop Irish wool as a valuable, sustainable product.
I am also aware that further research funding of €657,403 has been provided by the Environmental Protection Agency to UCC for their Regenerative Value Systems for Irish Grown Wool in Ireland project. Its aim is to re-establish a sustainable wool sector in Ireland to benefit stakeholders along the value chain.
Additionally, my Department is subsidising sheep shearing under the 2025 National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS), which is worth €22 million to farmers this year.
