Public Consultation on draft National Policy Statement and Roadmap on Circular Textiles

The aim of this consultation is to seek views on a draft National Policy Statement and Roadmap on Circular Textiles. The document proposes the steps necessary for Ireland to achieve a circular economy in textiles.

Current trends in textile production, consumption and post-consumption present major environmental challenges, in Ireland and globally. The textiles industry operates in a linear 'take-make-waste' model but there is great potential for a textiles circular economy as outlined in the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy 2020-2025.

In 2022, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications established a Textile Advisory Group, bringing together relevant expertise from industry, community and regulatory bodies. As part of its workplan for 2024/2025 the Department agreed to prepare and publish a National Policy Statement & Roadmap.

This draft Statement and Roadmap has been informed by insights and recommendations from the Textile Advisory Group, and other sources. It sets out a vision, common principles, strategic objectives and next steps for the future development of the textile circular economy. This draft has been informed by extensive stakeholder input including from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local government sector.

The draft Policy Statement and Roadmap is available for download below, along with an Executive Summary. Submissions are welcome from organisations and individuals. We will consider all feedback before we publish the final version of the Statement and Roadmap.

The closing date for submissions is 5.30pm on Monday, 7 July 2025.

Submissions can be made by email to CircularEconomyConsultations@decc.gov.ie or by post to:

National Policy Statement and Roadmap on Circular Textiles Consultation,

Circular Economy Materials Management Division,

Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications,

Newtown Road,

Wexford,

Y35 AP90.

We are committed to engaging with stakeholders in a clear, open and transparent manner. Any person or organisation can make a submission in relation to this consultation. We will consider all submissions and feedback before we publish the final version of the Statement and Roadmap.

Your response to this consultation is subject to:

• the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (FOI)
• the Access to Information on the Environment Regulations 2007-2018 (AIE)
• the Data Protection Act 2018

Publishing of responses

We may publish the contents of any submissions received to our consultations on our website. We will redact (remove) personal data before publication.

Please indicate any sensitive information

In responding to this consultation, clearly indicate where your response contains any information which you would not wish to be released under FOI, AIE or otherwise published. This can include:

• personal information
• commercially sensitive information
• confidential information

Read our Data Privacy Notice

We would like to draw your attention to our Data Privacy Notice which explains:

• how and when we collect personal data
• why we do so
• how we treat this information
• your rights in relation to the collection of personal information
• how you can exercise those rights

50 submissions were received by the Department. Public consultation report and final National Policy Statement and Roadmap on Circular Textiles will follow in due course.

Industry Submissions