Circular roadmap aims to reduce waste and create new markets

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The "Building a Circular Ireland" roadmap was presented by Minister James Browne at the Irish Green Building Council's annual conference on 15 May. The construction and demolition sectors currently generate 8.3 million tonnes of waste annually in Ireland, while over 97 per cent of materials used in the economy come from virgin sources.

This linear "take-make-waste" approach contrasts sharply with the circular system the roadmap seeks to establish through waste prevention, reuse, and resource efficiency measures. The initiative addresses both environmental and economic concerns, given Ireland's heavy dependence on imported construction materials. The roadmap aligns with existing national strategies including Project 2040, the National Development Plan, and Housing for All, whilst supporting Ireland's climate targets.

Context for the move includes Ireland's housing situation, where recent census data shows 7.74 per cent of housing stock – equivalent to 163,433 residential units – remains vacant. Over 48,000 units have been unoccupied for six years or more, suggesting potential for better utilisation of existing buildings. The roadmap's recommendations focus on maximising use of existing buildings and infrastructure, supporting bioeconomy development for construction materials, and creating markets for high-quality secondary materials.

It also proposes extended producer responsibility schemes and product-as-a-service models to increase manufacturer accountability for product lifecycles. Public procurement features prominently in the strategy, with Irish public bodies spending approximately €18.5 billion annually on goods, services, and works. This purchasing power could drive demand for circular construction practices and materials.

The roadmap emerged from research funded by the Environmental Protection Agency and co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. Development involved consultation with over 225 stakeholders through workshops, focus groups, and expert interviews across the construction and property sectors.