€1.5m circular economy fund launched as Mayo projects set to benefit
The 2026 Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme has opened for applications, with grants of between €50,000 and €150,000 available to support projects reducing waste and emissions in Mayo.
Mayo Minister Alan Dillon has today announced that the 2026 Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS) opened for applications today, September 14, with grants of between €50,000 and €150,000 available to successful applicants.
The funding available this year has more than doubled, increasing from €650,000 to €1.5 million.
The scheme is designed to help businesses, social enterprises and community and voluntary organisations turn innovative ideas into practical projects that reduce waste, extend the life of products and materials and make better use of resources.
Mayo has already benefited from the scheme, with Accelerating Change Together and Inishturk Community Club CLG each receiving €48,000 under the 2025 funding round.
Launching the 2026 scheme, Minister Dillon said the increased investment would help organisations move from ideas to practical solutions.
“Ireland’s transition to a circular economy presents a major opportunity to reduce waste and emissions, conserve valuable resources and build a more sustainable and resilient economy,” he said.
“This is real investment in circular innovation. It will help organisations move beyond ideas and develop practical solutions that can be tested, implemented and scaled.”
Projects involving reuse and repair, reducing food waste, redesigning products, finding new uses for materials and developing innovative circular business models are among those eligible for support.
The scheme has awarded more than €2.4 million to 50 projects since it was established in 2021, supporting initiatives across areas including food waste, plastics, packaging, construction, textiles and general waste.
For 2026, a particular emphasis will be placed on projects capable of demonstrating practical implementation and measurable impacts, including keeping products, components and materials in use for longer and at their highest possible value.
The scheme will be administered this year in partnership with CIRCULÉIRE and its secretariat, Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR).
Dr Geraldine Brennan, IMR’s Director of Circular Economy Innovation, said the fund had been developed to make it more accessible and focused on projects capable of delivering real-world impact.
“The increased funding available in 2026 provides an important opportunity for organisations to move from promising ideas to practical demonstration and implementation, generating evidence and learning that can support wider adoption of circular solutions across Ireland,” she said.
Priority areas for funding include plastics, construction and demolition, food waste, resources and raw materials.
Projects will be expected to demonstrate tangible environmental, economic and social benefits and contribute to the development of a more circular economy in Ireland.
Minister Dillon urged Mayo businesses and organisations with innovative ideas to apply.
“I encourage businesses, social enterprises and community and voluntary organisations with innovative circular economy projects to take advantage of this opportunity and bring forward proposals that can make a real difference,” he said.
Applications for the 2026 scheme are open until 12 October at 11:59 pm Irish time.
An online information session for prospective applicants will take place on September 21.