Ireland’s circular economy is set for a major boost as the government launches a €1.5 million Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme. The initiative, announced by Minister of State Alan Dillon on 14 September 2026, more than doubles available funding and aims to help organisations turn sustainable ideas into practical projects.
Led by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, the scheme will provide grants of between €50,000 and €150,000 to eligible businesses, social enterprises, community groups and voluntary organisations. Applications are open until 12 October 2026 at 23:59 Irish time.
Circular Economy Grant Funding Doubles in 2026
The Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme previously provided €650,000 in funding. Its expansion to €1.5 million reflects the government’s focus on delivering the Circular Economy Strategy 2026–2028 through projects with measurable environmental, economic and social benefits.
Since the scheme began in 2021, more than €2.4 million has been awarded to 50 projects. Supported areas have included food waste, plastics, packaging, textiles, construction and general waste.
Priority areas for applicants
- Plastics: Redesigning products and packaging to reduce virgin or non-recyclable plastic use.
- Construction and demolition: Developing reusable materials and selective demolition methods.
- Food waste: Introducing technical or behavioural measures to prevent waste.
- Resources and raw materials: Improving recovery, reuse and safer use of critical materials.
Moving Circular Ideas Into Practical Action
The 2026 circular economy grant round places particular emphasis on implementation. Projects are expected to demonstrate how products, components and materials can remain in use longer and retain their highest possible value.
Potential projects may involve repair, reuse, remanufacturing, circular design, industrial symbiosis, material recovery or new circular business models. The objective is to move beyond research concepts and create solutions that can be tested, measured and scaled across Ireland.
CIRCULÉIRE and IMR to administer scheme
The funding round will be administered in partnership with CIRCULÉIRE and its secretariat, Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR). CIRCULÉIRE is an industry-led, cross-sector circular innovation network established in 2020, while IMR provides research, training and consultancy support to industry.
CIRCULÉIRE will manage applications, evaluation and administration, as well as support successful awardees during project delivery. An online information session for prospective applicants is scheduled for 21 September 2026.
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How to Apply for the Circular Economy Grant
Organisations with eligible circular economy projects should review the full application guidance available through CIRCULÉIRE. Applicants should be prepared to explain their proposed solution, expected impacts, implementation plan and potential for wider adoption.
Relevant government bodies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), may also have an interest in related circular economy programmes, although the CEIGS is led by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.
What the Scheme Means for Ireland
The increased investment is designed to support a more resource-efficient economy by reducing waste, extending product lifecycles and encouraging innovation across sectors. It may also help businesses develop new services, reduce material costs and strengthen supply-chain resilience.
For communities and social enterprises, the scheme offers an opportunity to demonstrate practical solutions that deliver local benefits while contributing to national climate and waste targets.
Conclusion
The €1.5 million Circular Economy Grant is a significant expansion of Ireland’s support for sustainable innovation. With applications open until 12 October 2026, eligible organisations should use the opportunity to turn circular economy ideas into practical, scalable solutions that reduce waste and protect valuable resources.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
