The Western Development Commission (WDC) recently hosted an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) delegation in the West of Ireland as part of the OECD Programme on the Circular Economy in Cities and Regions. This programme is a vital initiative supporting local and regional governments in their transition from linear to circular economies, in partnership with national authorities. The West of Ireland is among the select regions participating in this global effort, with the goal of fostering sustainable economic development, reducing waste, and maximizing resource efficiency.
The OECD mission took place over three days and involved six intensive sessions with stakeholders from across the region. Led by Dr. Oriana Romano (OECD Head of Unit, Water Governance, Blue Economy, and Circular Economy), George Laime (OECD Policy Analyst), and Iñigo Aizpuru (peer reviewer from the Basque Environmental Agency), the team conducted interviews and discussions to:
- Assess the region’s framework conditions for unlocking circular economy potential.
- Strengthen governance structures across local, regional, and national levels.
- Develop practical policy recommendations tailored to the West of Ireland.
The fact-finding mission provided an opportunity for key stakeholders in the region to share insights, challenges, and opportunities unique to their local context. Topics discussed included sustainable development in key sectors such as construction, food, water, and plastics—areas identified as having high potential for circular economy measures.
The outcomes of this mission will feed into a policy report specifically designed for the West of Ireland. The OECD aims to deliver a draft of this report by February 2025, with final publication expected in April 2025. The report will include actionable recommendations to accelerate the region’s transition to a circular economy, supporting long-term environmental and economic resilience.
This collaboration aligns with the European Commission’s 2020 Circular Economy Action Plan, a cornerstone of the European Green Deal. By adopting circular economy principles, the West of Ireland stands to benefit from sustainable growth, job creation, and strengthened communities, while contributing to broader EU climate and sustainability goals.
The WDC is committed to continuing its engagement with the OECD and regional stakeholders to ensure the recommendations from this mission translate into impactful policies and actions. This work underscores the region’s leadership in advancing sustainability and innovation for a more resilient future.
For more information on the Circular Economy Programme, visit OECD Circular Economy in Cities and Regions.
