John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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153. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if consideration will be given to supporting social enterprises such as a charity's (details supplied)’ bike project, which has diverted over 700 bikes from landfill and donated many to disabled groups and schools, thereby contributing both to the circular economy and to improved mobility for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49164/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Product re-use and repair are building blocks of a circular economy. We need to ensure that re-use and repair skills are built within the population and that opportunities exist to develop skills and employment. It is also important that barriers to re-use and repair are removed and that re-use and repair becomes standard practice in priority areas.

The Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme is designed to support innovative circular economy projects led by social enterprises, such as the charity referred to by the Deputy, as well as voluntary and community organisations, and small businesses.

Since its launch in April 2021, the scheme has awarded €1.8 million to 36 projects, spanning key circular economy themes such as food waste, plastics, single-use packaging, construction, textiles, and reuse and repair initiatives. I was pleased to launch the 2025 call for applications on September 10 last with €650,000 in total funding being made available. Individual grants are expected to range between €40,000 and €50,000.

I will also launch a public consultation on the new Whole-of-Government Circular Economy Strategy shortly. This Strategy will be action orientated and will include a package of measures to address barriers to re-use and repair. It will provide for incentives that will create a level playing field for circular economy actors, practices and products, with the aim of ensuring that the benefits of the circular transition are shared by communities and workers throughout Ireland.