A public consultation on Ireland’s National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap has been opened up by Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Alan Dillon.

The roadmap will outline actions to help Ireland reduce food waste and meet legally binding EU reduction targets by 2030.

It will also support Ireland’s commitment under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which aims to reduce food loss and waste.

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According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 700,000t of food were wasted in Ireland in 2024, underlining the need for action.

The new roadmap carries on from the progress made under the first National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap (2023-2025).

New requirements

It will also reflect new requirements made under the revised EU Waste Framework Directive, including legally binding food waste reduction targets to be achieved by 2030.

The roadmap will also be informed by recommendations from the Food Circle project, which examines ways to increase surplus food donation and redistribution, so that more edible food is used rather than wasted.

Launching the consultation, Minister Dillon said: “Every piece of food we produce requires time, effort, energy and valuable natural resources. Reducing food waste is one of the simplest ways we can reduce emissions, protect valuable resources and build a more sustainable food system."

Minister Dillon said the roadmap would help guide Ireland’s efforts over the coming years and stressed that it should reflect the views of everyone involved in the food chain.

Food waste prevention

“I encourage everyone with an interest in food waste prevention – including businesses, farmers, community organisations, food charities, social enterprises and members of the public – to take part in this consultation and help shape Ireland’s next National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap," he said.

The Department is inviting submissions from members of the public and interested stakeholders on the draft National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap 2026 -2028.

For more information or to make a submission, click here.