116. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has considered the awarding of grants to support small retailers or local clubs to support adaptation of the Re-Turn scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53856/26]

Re-turn is a producer-led and owned, not-for-profit company established by beverage producers to meet their obligations under the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations.

Re-turn is responsible for all operational and funding matters relating to the Deposit Return Scheme, including grants for Reverse Vending Machines (RVM), and previously ran a grant scheme that was open until 31 December 2025.

This was established as a targeted measure to assist eligible retailers with the upfront cost of purchasing an RVM, offering grant support of up to €12,000 paid over three years. It was designed to accelerate the early national rollout of return infrastructure under the Deposit Return Scheme. Uptake on the grants was significant, with approximately 700 retailers successfully availing of it.

The grant scheme was not intended to operate on an open-ended basis, but rather to support rapid infrastructure rollout during the early phase of the Deposit Return Scheme. The possibility of re-opening a grant scheme is a matter for Re-turn who have advised it will be kept under review as the scheme progresses towards its 2029 collection targets.