Concerned about the loss of jobs that comes about by exporting waste, the Government has launched a €13 million market development programme to help create new Irish jobs by using recycled materials to produce environmentally-friendly goods.

Three quarters of the recyclable waste material produced by Ireland is currently exported.

The programme will look to identify and develop markets for a variety of waste streams including plastics, paper, metals, organics, glass and wood.

“Waste that we export often reappears back in Ireland, rejuvenated as valuable commodities that we all buy, like juice or milk cartons, fleece tops or the latest backpack schoolbag,” said Environment Minister John Gormley.

“We need to develop markets for these materials and add value here at home and that’s what the market development programme is all about – it will be a catalyst for innovation.

“It will establish partnerships and create linkages between those who produce goods and those who manage waste. It has great potential to generate new ‘green’ jobs, it will add value to the materials in Ireland and create more revenue for our economy.”

Entrepreneurs interested in creating new businesses from waste can get further information at www.mdg.ie.

Sam Bond

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