Q1 CIRCULÉIRE Policy Roundup
- enyaoconnellhussey
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
CIRCULÉIRE’s dedicated policy engagement leaders have been hard at work in the circular economy policy spheres across Ireland and Europe, advocating for a regulatory landscape that spearheads circular economy.
Here are some highlights of key policy events in the first quarter of the year.
National Repair and Reuse Network
The NRRN launched by the EPA in 2024 aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and scale reuse and repair initiatives across Ireland. The network comprises 16 members from both the public and private sectors.
The NRRN held its first meeting of the year on the 20th of March 2025.
IMR represented CIRCULÉIRE members and provided updates on reuse and repair-related projects and activities carried out over the past six months. CIRCULÉIRE will be submitting information on reuse and repair activities conducted with its members to support Ireland’s national reporting to the EU for 2023.
First European ESPR Working Plan Stakeholder Consultation
The consultation on the 3rd March aimed to seek feedback on the products identified by the EU Commission for initial regulation under the ESPR framework. Nine CIRCULÉIRE members actively contributed their insights, helping to shape the submission.
Some concerns were on whether the ecodesign requirements for intermediate products would address waste classification barriers, which can hinder recycling and the use of secondary raw materials. The Government greatly appreciated the feedback received, recognising its value in representing the perspective of Irish industry at the European level.
Link to further information: Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation - European Commission
National Bioeconomy Strategy Preliminary Stakeholder Survey
Hosted by DAFM, the consultation sought stakeholder feedback to inform the development of the National Bioeconomy Strategy for Ireland.
IMR, on behalf of CIRCULÉIRE, submitted a response highlighting the importance of embedding circular economy principles into the strategy’s Vision, Mission, and objectives. DAFM and DECC will be engaging with CIRCULÉIRE to support ongoing collaboration with its industry members in shaping the Bioeconomy Strategy.
Link to further information: Bioeconomy Policy
Stakeholder consultation with the Irish Green Building Council
The consultation aimed to gather feedback on the draft Building a Circular Ireland Roadmap, an EPA-funded project led by IGBC. A submission was shared with IGBC, following two townhalls hosted on April 2nd and 3rd, which were attended by eight CIRCULÉIRE members along with representatives from DECC.
Key policy recommendations included emphasise on the role that manufacturing can play in advancing Ireland’s circular transition for the construction and built environment sectors, developing of national standards for non-Portland cements as well as establishing a regulatory framework to guide the use of circular materials DECC is currently preparing the Government’s Built Environment Roadmap and will be reaching out to CIRCULÉIRE to support engagement with its industry members.
Link to further information: HAVE YOUR SAY! Building a Circular Ireland: A Roadmap for a Resource-Efficient Built Environment - Irish Green Building Council
Public Consultation on DECC Strategy 2025-2028
The consultation aimed to gather feedback on the upcoming Statement of Strategy for the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC). IMR, on behalf of CIRCULÉIRE, submitted a response highlighting the importance of embedding circular economy principles throughout the entire strategy—reflecting its cross-cutting relevance—and called for clear objectives and targeted actions to support Ireland’s transition to a more circular economy.
This included suggestions such as introducing financial incentives to de-risk investment in circular business models, disincentivising the use of virgin materials, and exploring models to help businesses navigate the regulatory landscape and eliminate barriers—such as Denmark’s one-stop-shop for new business models.
Link to further information: Consultation on the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Statement of Strategy 2025- 2028
Policy Priorities for 2025?
If your organisation has concerns or queries related to national or EU-level policy or legislation, we want to hear from you. Get in touch with us at circuleire@imr.ie to help shape CIRCULÉIRE’s upcoming policy agenda.
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