Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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More than half a million coffee cups are sent to landfill or incineration every day in Ireland. An environmental levy on single-use cups (coffee cup levy) will incentivise people to choose re-usable cups and reduce single-use waste.

A detailed consultation report, along with copies of all submissions received, were published in late 2023 on the Department’s gov.ie website.

Throughout 2023 and so far this year, retailers, producers and those in hospitality have worked hard to ensure the successful introduction of Ireland's new Deposit Return Scheme, which went live on 1 February. Now that the Scheme is operational, attention will return to introducing the coffee cup levy in 2024.

My Department has also been working on designing a new collection model for the levy. An alternative model to the plastic bag levy is under consideration and this will require changes to primary legislation. Heads of Bill have been drafted. Once this legislation is in place, a commencement date will be agreed to allow the appropriate preparations be made by the sector before the levy goes live. A comprehensive and timely public information campaign will help ensure a smooth transition to a more sustainable coffee culture here.