Taoiseach Micheál Martin, along with Minister of State for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, and Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir, has announced €9 million in funding for two major bioeconomy demonstration projects.
The investment, made under the Shared Island Initiative, aims to support sustainable innovation across the island of Ireland. Both projects focus on advancing the circular bioeconomy and reducing environmental impacts.
The Role of the Bioeconomy in Climate Policy
Ireland has committed to ambitious emissions reductions under its Climate Action Plan, including a 25% cut in agricultural emissions by 2030. Developing a robust bioeconomy is increasingly seen as a critical pathway to achieving those goals. By turning waste and underused natural resources into high-value products, bioeconomy projects can lower emissions, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and promote circular systems that keep materials in use longer.
Two Flagship Projects
The first project, REGENERATE, led by Greenville Energy in County Tyrone, has been awarded €4.5 million. This initiative will focus on recovering phosphates and nitrogen from agricultural residues to develop a bio-based fertiliser. The project brings together partners from across the island and aims to enhance both environmental sustainability and industrial competitiveness, while contributing to carbon reduction targets.
The second project, All Island Marine Bio-based Refineries for Circular Blue-Bioeconomy (AIMBIO), is led by Teagasc and also receives €4.5 million. AIMBIO will convert untapped marine resources, such as by-products from aquaculture, fisheries, and aquatic processors, into high-value ingredients for the food, feed, cosmetics, and bio-based chemicals sectors.
Potential Benefits for Farmers and Fishers
One of the most promising aspects of bioeconomy development is the opportunity it presents for primary producers. For farmers, projects like REGENERATE offer alternatives to synthetic fertilisers, potentially lowering costs and environmental impact. Fishers and aquaculture businesses, often under pressure from market volatility and environmental regulations, could benefit from AIMBIO’s development of value-added products from marine by-products that might otherwise go to waste.
Shared Vision for Sustainability
Speaking about the announcement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was delighted to support two new biorefinery demonstrator projects as part of the Shared Island Initiative. He noted that challenges and opportunities related to climate action and sustainability are shared across the island and that this programme deepens cooperation with the Northern Ireland Executive. He expressed confidence that the projects would support the development of the bioeconomy in the years ahead.
Minister Heydon emphasised the need to scale up bioeconomy processes and technologies in order to accelerate the commercialisation of bio-based solutions. He stated that both projects have the potential to serve as flagship demonstrators and could provide a blueprint for similar initiatives that benefit rural and coastal communities.
Minister Muir of Northern Ireland added that the chosen projects would play a pivotal role in driving sustainable growth in the agriculture and marine sectors.
A Blueprint for the Future
This €9 million in funding represents a significant step in supporting environmentally and economically sustainable innovation throughout Ireland. Both the REGENERATE and AIMBIO projects aim to show how research-backed solutions can become commercially viable, benefiting local communities and supporting Ireland’s climate goals and bioeconomy development.
A Model for Cross-Border Environmental Cooperation
The REGENERATE and AIMBIO projects not only deliver environmental innovation but also demonstrate the practical value of North–South cooperation. By pooling knowledge, research, and regional strengths, the projects create shared value across the island. This model of cross-border collaboration could be applied to other areas of environmental concern, such as water quality, soil health, and biodiversity protection.
Challenges Ahead: Scaling and Commercialisation
While these demonstration projects represent important progress, scaling bioeconomy solutions from pilot to full commercial adoption remains a significant challenge. Regulatory frameworks, investor confidence, and supply chain logistics must all be addressed. Continued government support and collaboration with industry will be vital to ensure that the innovations tested in REGENERATE and AIMBIO can be implemented at scale.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the €9 million investment in the REGENERATE and AIMBIO projects marks a significant milestone in Ireland’s commitment to developing a sustainable, all-island bioeconomy. By supporting innovation in both the agricultural and marine sectors, these initiatives not only aim to reduce environmental impact but also create new economic opportunities for rural and coastal communities.
The projects reflect a strong, collaborative approach between the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, demonstrating how shared challenges can be addressed through joint solutions. As these demonstrator projects progress, they have the potential to shape the future of bio-based industries and serve as models for sustainability-driven development across the island.
