Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

159. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the strategies the Government supports to address fast fashion and the recycling of clothing textiles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40764/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Tackling fast fashion and promoting sustainability in the textiles industry is a key priority for me and the Department.

A draft National Policy Statement and Roadmap for Circular Textiles was published for public consultation in May. For the first time, it sets out a policy direction for Ireland with regard to tackling fast fashion and promoting reuse and recycling of used textiles. The consultation is now closed and we have commenced considering the submissions made with a view to publishing the final Statement and Roadmap in the autumn.

The measures contained in this Statement and Roadmap will help to curb fast fashion trends, boost the reuse and recycling of textiles and reduce the environmental footprint of the sector. Such measures will include making producers responsible for textile waste via an Extended Producer Responsibility scheme; supporting local reuse; ensuring transparency around textile exports; raising public awareness, ensuring the public sector leads the way in buying textiles sustainably; measuring progress and gathering reliable data; bridging the skills gap for sustainable design and repair; and supporting investment in circular business models such as rental, repair and second hand retail.

At EU level, a new legislative proposal will require Member States to have an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for textiles in place by 2028. The Department has already started the foundational work with the sector for an Irish EPR scheme and plans to develop an EPR Roadmap this year. Engagement with the Textile Advisory Group, which involves industry, community and regulatory bodies, will be an important aspect of this work.

The Statement and Roadmap highlights the importance of public awareness in reducing textile consumption. The Department is currently running a national public awareness campaign Reverse the Trend, the objective of which is to raise awareness of the impact of fast fashion and to encourage the buying of fewer new clothes, re-use, repair, swapping and sharing. The Department also funds the Re-love Fashion competition run by the Rediscovery Centre. It was developed in response to the growing environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry, particularly fast fashion, and the need for change. It is open to schools and youth groups all over Ireland.