Retail welcomes publication of Deposit Return Scheme regulations

Retail Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the retail industry, today welcomed the publication of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) regulations by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, which will form an important element of the Government’s wider sustainability agenda. 

The retail sector will play a key role in achieving the country’s environmental ambitions and has worked with Government, producers, and industry partners to put in place a framework for a successful scheme.

Retail Ireland Director Arnold Dillon said: “The publication of the regulations is an important milestone, but there is still a lot of work to do. It is vital that we continue to learn from the experience of other EU countries on how best to design and roll out the Irish scheme. Clarity is still required on issues relating to planning permission and VAT. Crucially, we need to ensure there is a realistic implementation timeline.

“Retailers will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure this transformative scheme operates effectively and succeeds in meeting Ireland’s EU targets and circular economy goals.”