Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the launch of the 2026 Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS), with total funding increasing from €650,000 to €1.5 million.
The 2026 funding round opens today (14th September), with individual grants expected to range from €50,000 to €150,000.
The increased investment represents a significant expansion of Government support for circular economy innovation. It will help businesses and social enterprises to develop and implement practical solutions that reduce waste, extend the life of products and materials, and make better use of resources.
Minister Canney said: “This scheme is another tool in helping Ireland’s transition to a circular economy – a transition that presents a major opportunity to reduce waste and emission, conserve valuable resources and build a more sustainable and resilient economy.
“The increase in the scheme from €650,000 to €1.5 million in 2026 is very welcome also and will help organisations to develop practical solutions that can be tested, implemented and scaled.”
The 2026 Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme will support projects focused on priority areas for Ireland’s circular economy, including:
- Plastics: Redesigning products or packaging to reduce reliance on virgin or non-recyclable plastics and increase the use of recyclable alternatives.
- Construction and demolition: Developing reusable construction products and approaches that enable greater reuse and material recovery through selective demolition.
- Food waste: Implementing technical or behavioural interventions to prevent and reduce food waste in production and commercial settings.
- Resources and raw materials: Improving the recovery and reuse of critical raw materials and reducing the use of hazardous substances in products.
Full details on the application process for the Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme are available through https://www.circuleire.ie/. Applications will remain open until 12 October (at 23:59 Irish time).
