CRNI welcomes the publication of the Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026–2028.

As the national representative body for community-based social enterprises active in reuse, repair and recycling, CRNI welcomes the newly published Accelerating Action strategy. We are encouraged by its clear commitment to supporting Ireland’s transition to a more circular economy.

We particularly welcome the recognition given to community-led organisations in delivering practical circular solutions on the ground (Action18). Across Ireland, social enterprises and community organisations are already demonstrating how reuse and repair can deliver environmental benefits while also supporting social inclusion, local employment, skills development and community resilience.

The strategy’s emphasis on governance, cross-government coordination and defined delivery structures is also significant. CRNI will work to ensure that our members are well placed to access and contribute to the initiatives set out in the strategy.

We are, however, disappointed that the strategy does not explicitly recognise the central role of social enterprises in delivering circular economy objectives.  Community organisations, reuse networks and repair initiatives are acknowledged throughout the strategy as contributors to awareness-raising, service delivery and product life extension.  Many of these are rooted in social enterprise values and models. Social enterprises must be facilitated to access funding streams and innovation supports and policy opportunities on an equitable basis.

Many of Ireland’s most impactful circular economy initiatives have their roots in social enterprise. The proposed Circular Economy Demonstration and Outreach Hubs (CEDOHs), identified as a key element of the strategy, build on an approach already proven by The Rediscovery Centre, itself a community-based social enterprise.

The strategy outlines significant opportunities for social enterprises, with more than 30 actions of direct relevance to CRNI members. We welcome the intention to address barriers that restrict the growth of reuse and repair activity, including insurance challenges and the need to better align taxation and incentives with circular objectives.

We also welcome the strategy’s emphasis on strengthening the reuse ecosystem, including engagement with the National Reuse and Repair Network (NRRN) to support collaboration, shared learning and coordinated national action. The ambition to advance an all-island circular economy is particularly welcome. As Ireland’s all-island member network and national representative body for community-based reuse, repair and recycling social enterprises, CRNI looks forward to working closely with our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Reuse Network (NIRN).

CRNI looks forward to working with our members, stakeholders and Government to support the successful implementation of the strategy and to continue demonstrating the essential contribution of social enterprises to Ireland’s circular economy transition.

Read the Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028: Accelerating Action here.

• March 13, 2026