Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
65. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a stream of funding to local community groups or local authorities to repair and upcycle musical instruments that are left in recycling centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20938/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraReuse and repair are key activities to support resource efficiency within a circular economy.
The Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme, funded by my Department, directly supports the growth of the circular economy in Ireland via a competitive funding process. The scheme aims to support innovation and demonstration circular economy projects by small to medium enterprises and social enterprises. In 2021, 10 projects were selected to benefit from a total funding pot of €490,000. A second funding call was launched in 2022, with total available funding set at €650,000. It is intended to announce the third call under the scheme in the coming weeks with a further allocation of €650,000 and proposals for musical instrument repair and upcycling projects will be welcome.
The Environmental Protection Agency has also established a National Reuse and Repair Network to bring together relevant public bodies and national organisations to facilitate knowledge sharing and engagement to support and scale reuse and repair in Ireland.
Network activities will align to include the following strategic outcomes:
• Reuse and repair skills are building within the population, and opportunities exist to develop skills and employment.
• Barriers to reuse and repair are removed, and opportunities are readily available.
• Repair and reuse are standard practice in priority areas.
• Effective communications on reuse and repair.
These are important elements in delivering an effective transition to a circular economy in Ireland which will transform the way materials and resources are consumed, prevent waste generation, reduce consumption, and extend the productive life of goods.
