Ireland’s first draft circular economy strategy calls for $ 250,000 in funding and the EPA, the successor to the waste disposal program.

Efforts to combat climate emergency are on the rise across Europe. Recent ventures in Ireland include a $ 10 million new fund to help businesses compete in the low – carbon future and a five – year plan to help them prepare for the effects of the climate crisis. Today (April 16) marks the beginning of a new step towards a sustainable future, with the government publishing the first draft of the National Strategy for the Transition to a Circular Economy.

A circular economy means “reduce or produce with few resources”. To make this a reality in Ireland, five goals have been set for 2021 and 2022. First, it will provide the national policy framework for Ireland’s transition to a circular economy.

It will support and implement measures that will significantly reduce Ireland’s circulation gap, so Ireland’s rate will be higher than the European Union average by 2030. Education and intervention on this issue are on the agenda, as well as identifying and addressing barriers to Irish conversion.

Speaking on the draft strategy, Environment, Climate and Communications Minister Eamon Ryan said: “We are currently developing the Government’s full strategy to ensure the transition to Ireland’s circular economy and to seize the opportunities of the circular economy. Can provide.

These opportunities include reducing waste, reducing carbon footprint, supporting local and regional economic development, developing new business models, and creating skilled jobs.

Circular Economy Innovation Grant Program

The strategy promises to support and encourage investment in the circular economy through balanced local economic growth and employment.

To this end, the Government has announced the Circular Economy Innovation Grant Program to support projects of social enterprises, voluntary and community groups and businesses with less than 50 employees.

The total funding for this call for 2021 is $ 250,000, with a maximum grant of $ 50,000 for the first year. The government expects to receive between 10,000 and 50,000 euros for the most successful projects.

Applications are welcome in a number of thematic areas, including plastics, food waste, construction and demolition waste, resources, and raw materials.

For example, projects may focus on product-redesigning for end-of-life recycling or to enhance the recovery of listed critical raw materials.

New Circular Economy Program

Another component of the draft strategy is the Circular Economy Program, the successor to the National Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Bringing 15 years of waste management expertise into the EPA program. The government said the new venture will target areas that use the most resources and areas with the highest potential for circulation. They will also work to change waste prevention practices by developing targeted roadmaps on food waste and plastics.

The program will help to realize business opportunities by further supporting businesses during transformation, supporting new business models, promoting resource efficiency and maintaining material value through increased use of secondary and recyclable materials.

Laura Burke, EPA Director, said the program would translate the aspirations of the national circle into the day-to-day operations of workplaces and homes across Ireland.

“Creating a resource-efficient economy and a vibrant society requires rapid and profound transformation in all sectors,” she said. “We want to hear from our partners with our views on the goals and priorities of the event.”

The EPA calls on people across the country to comment on a public consultation on the new program. He will receive responses until 5:30 pm on Friday, June 11th.