220. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when the feasibility study into transitioning Ireland's waste collection market from its current side-by-side licensing system to a franchise tendering system will be published. [64110/26]

223. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when the feasibility study on transitioning Ireland's waste collection market from its current side-by-side licensing system to a franchise tendering system will be published. [64112/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 223 together.

The Department commissioned an independent year-long study to explore the feasibility of transitioning our national waste collection from its current competitive licensing system to a franchise tendering system. A franchise tendering system involves competitive tendering for local waste collection services which means competition for the market. In this model private sector collection firms bid to provide waste collection services in an entire local authority area (or a grouping of local authority areas) for a given period of time and to a guaranteed level of service.

The primary aim of the study is to identify how we can best support the achievement of EU recycling targets. Notwithstanding this overarching study objective, it also examines service efficiency and the cost to consumers. The comprehensive year-long study included a public consultation, assessment of the current market, and environmental and economic modelling.

The study recommendations are being considered by the Department and is informing the development of the next Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (WAPCE). The publication of the study is currently anticipated in early 2027.

Work on updating the WAPCE has commenced to ensure that it aligns with and drives the delivery and implementation of the second Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy and to inform and give direction to waste planning and management in Ireland, the delivery of appropriate infrastructure, the achievement of EU circular economy targets and how we can enhance our capacity to transform waste into secondary materials and create a culture of circular behaviour.