Ireland is stepping up its fight against wasted food, and the latest move could shape how the country meets major climate and sustainability goals. A new gov.ie public consultation has been launched on Ireland’s next National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap, inviting households, farmers, businesses and community groups to help define actions for 2026 to 2028.
Announced by Minister of State Alan Dillon at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, the roadmap is designed to help Ireland cut food waste across the full supply chain and meet legally binding EU targets by 2030. It also supports wider national priorities linked to Climate Action, Agriculture, Local Government and Heritage, and circular economy policy.
gov.ie launches consultation on food waste roadmap
The new consultation on gov.ie will feed into Ireland’s next statutory roadmap on food waste prevention. The plan will build on the first National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap covering 2023 to 2025, while responding to new EU obligations under the revised Waste Framework Directive.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 700,000 tonnes of food were wasted in Ireland in 2024. That figure underlines the scale of the challenge for government, industry and consumers alike.
Food waste has consequences far beyond the bin. When edible food is discarded, so too are the land, water, labour, transport and energy used to produce it. Reducing waste can therefore support climate targets, lower costs for households and businesses, and improve resource efficiency across the economy.
Why the roadmap matters for Ireland
The upcoming roadmap will set out practical actions for every stage of the food chain, from farms and processors to retailers, restaurants, food services and homes. It also aligns with Ireland’s broader Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028.
Minister Dillon said food waste is one of the clearest ways Ireland can reduce emissions and protect natural resources. He urged businesses, farmers, charities, social enterprises and the wider public to contribute ideas through the consultation process.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon also backed the consultation, pointing to the need for solutions for both avoidable and unavoidable food waste. He referenced innovation projects such as the National Biorefinery Pilot Plant in Lisheen, Co Tipperary, as part of a broader strategy for sustainability and resilience in the food system.
Key aims expected in the roadmap
- Reduce food waste across the entire supply chain
- Support compliance with EU 2030 reduction targets
- Increase surplus food donation and redistribution
- Promote low-waste business and household practices
- Encourage innovation for unavoidable food waste
How to take part in the public consultation
The Department is now seeking submissions from the public and stakeholders on the draft roadmap. Input is expected from sectors linked to Agriculture, Health, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and local communities, with agencies such as the EPA likely to remain central to evidence and implementation.
The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday, 4 September 2026. Full submission details are available through gov.ie.
FAQ
What is the consultation about?
It concerns Ireland’s National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap 2026-2028, which will guide national action on reducing food waste.
Why is it important?
It will help Ireland meet EU legal targets by 2030 while supporting climate goals and a circular economy.
Who can make a submission?
Members of the public, businesses, farmers, charities, food organisations and other stakeholders can all participate.
Conclusion
The new gov.ie consultation signals a serious push to turn food waste reduction into a practical national priority. With EU deadlines approaching and more than 700,000 tonnes of food waste recorded in a single year, Ireland’s next roadmap will be crucial for Climate Action, smarter resource use and a more sustainable food system. For anyone with a stake in how food is produced, sold or consumed, this gov.ie consultation is a real chance to shape policy before it is finalised.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
