Ireland is stepping up its fight against wasted food, and the latest move could shape how households, farms, shops and restaurants deal with the issue over the next several years. A new gov.ie consultation launched by Minister of State Alan Dillon invites the public and industry stakeholders to help design Ireland’s next National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap for 2026-2028.
Published by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, the consultation focuses on how Ireland can cut food waste across the entire supply chain while meeting new EU targets due by 2030. The roadmap will also support wider national goals linked to Climate Action, Agriculture and the circular economy.
gov.ie consultation aims to cut food waste across Ireland
The new roadmap is intended to set out practical steps for reducing food waste from farm to fork. That includes food producers, processors, retailers, hospitality businesses, food services and households. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 700,000 tonnes of food were wasted in Ireland in 2024, underlining the scale of the challenge.
Minister Alan Dillon said food waste prevention is one of the most straightforward ways to reduce emissions, protect natural resources and build a more sustainable food system. The consultation on gov.ie is designed to gather views from:
- Farmers and agri-food producers
- Retailers and food manufacturers
- Restaurants, cafés and caterers
- Community groups and food charities
- Social enterprises
- Members of the public
The Department says the final roadmap will be published on a statutory basis later in 2026.
Why this roadmap matters
When food is thrown away, the damage goes far beyond the bin. Land, water, fuel, labour and packaging used to produce that food are also wasted. Cutting waste can help Ireland lower emissions, save money and improve resource efficiency, which fits into the wider policy agenda across gov.ie, the EPA and several state-backed sustainability programmes.
The roadmap also aligns with Ireland’s commitments under the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which calls for a reduction in food loss and waste.
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How the new plan builds on previous progress
This upcoming roadmap follows the first National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap for 2023-2025 and forms part of the Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028. It will also reflect the revised EU Waste Framework Directive, which now includes legally binding food waste reduction targets for 2030.
Another important influence is the Food Circle project, funded through the Circular Economy Fund. That initiative explored ways to boost surplus food donation and redistribution so that edible food reaches people instead of becoming waste.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon also backed the consultation, saying stakeholders should contribute ideas not only for avoidable food waste but also for unavoidable waste. He pointed to innovation projects such as the National Biorefinery Pilot Plant in Lisheen, Co Tipperary, as examples of how Ireland can manage food-related waste more productively.
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How to take part in the gov.ie consultation
The Department is inviting submissions from the public and interested organisations through gov.ie. The closing date is 5.00pm on Friday, 4 September 2026.
For people following Irish public policy, this gov.ie consultation is a significant development because it connects Climate Action, Agriculture, waste policy and community engagement in one national strategy.
What happens next
The responses received through gov.ie will help shape the final National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap 2026-2028. If successful, the plan could strengthen Ireland’s response to food waste, improve redistribution of edible surplus food and support compliance with EU law.
The clear takeaway is that gov.ie is now seeking direct public input on a policy area that affects every home and business in the country. For anyone involved in food production, retail, hospitality or sustainability, this is an important chance to influence how Ireland tackles food waste before the 2030 targets come into force.
FAQs
What is the consultation about?
It is about shaping Ireland’s National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap 2026-2028, which will outline actions to reduce food waste nationwide.
Who can make a submission?
Businesses, farmers, charities, community organisations, social enterprises and members of the public can all take part.
Why is food waste a major issue in Ireland?
EPA data shows over 700,000 tonnes of food were wasted in 2024, creating environmental and economic costs.
When is the deadline?
Submissions must be made by 5.00pm on Friday, 4 September 2026.
Explore more: in-depth Ireland sustainability trends, green economy stories and circular economy developments
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
