Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
278. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of singe use cup levy trials in Killarney and Fingal; and if his Department has plans to introduce a nationwide levy on single use cups. [5147/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that I am aware of the single use cup trials in both Killarney and Fingal.
Following on from the success of the Killarney Cup Project, the Department engaged the Munster Technological University (MTU) to conduct a study on the Killarney Cup Project. The aim was to examine how community-led reusable cup systems can operate effectively. The study resulted in a Project Information Kit designed to support other towns and communities across Ireland seeking to replicate this initiative. This toolkit is available at the following link: [www.localprevention.ie/topics/killarneycoffeecupproject/] .
I met with representatives of the Killarney Coffee Cup Project in July last year to hear their experiences and concerns. Departmental officials have also met with representatives from the Fingal Reuse Project to discuss their findings and lessons learned.
The Department continues to monitor the progress and outcomes of these community-led initiatives and this work forms part of the Department’s wider efforts to promote sustainable consumption and reduce reliance on single-use products.
In 2022, the Department commissioned a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) on the introduction of a levy on single use cups and a public consultation on draft regulations was undertaken. It was envisaged at the time that a levy might be introduced in a similar way to the plastic bag levy (i.e. at the point of sale in a retail premises).
Following further engagement with the Revenue Commissioners, a different collection model, collecting the levy when cups are first placed on the market by producers or importers, was discussed. Such a revision would require an amendment of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022. The Department is working with the Revenue Commissioners on designing the provisions required to make this amendment.
Furthermore, in 2025, the Department commissioned an update to the RIA to explore the potential impacts of the revised collection model and any other policy measure to reduce single use cup consumption effectively. That work is close to finalisation and will inform next policy steps.
