Photo Caption: LtoR- Sponsors of the Summit: Stephen Napier (Irish Bioeconomy Foundation), Percy Foster (Foster Environmental), Colette Shirley (Bank of Ireland), Minister Timmy Dooley, Karen Doyle (Gas Networks Ireland) and Derek O’Brien (BiOrbic)

PRESS RELEASE 20.05.2026

Bioeconomy Growing on the Island

Yesterday, the fifth annual all-island bioeconomy summit & awards was held in Enfield, Co. Meath. The event developed from an online event to over 350 people in person attending yesterday.

The event heard how a lot of research is now being commercialised in sectors such as the marine and in biomethane, leading to the creation of local produced biobased products, which in many cases displace imported fossil-based products.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, said:

“The bioeconomy presents a major opportunity for primary producers, rural communities, and agri-food businesses and innovators in Ireland. It has the potential to unlock new value streams from crops, grass, timber, food and fish processing, contributing to increased food security, enhanced resilience in supply chains, and more efficient use of our natural resources.

“Through targeted investment in bioeconomy piloting and demonstration projects, we are turning these ideas into action on the ground. Across the island we can now point to bioeconomy activities and solutions such as new food ingredients, protein and bio-fertiliser sources, and biochar.

“My department is pleased to be a gold sponsor of the All-Island Bioeconomy Summit 2026. The Summit provides an important platform to strengthen collaboration, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and recognise the ongoing work by stakeholders to transition to a more sustainable and circular bioeconomy.”

Minister of State at the Department for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD, said:

“Ireland is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in the bioeconomy thanks to our strong agriculture and marine sectors. Ongoing research and demonstration activities are uncovering new opportunities in areas such as the blue bioeconomy, converting underutilised and waste materials from our marine sector into value-added products and biobased solutions.

“I was happy to be attend the 2026 All Island Bioeconomy Summit to engage with bioeconomy stakeholders and discuss how we can work together to unlock new economic opportunities while delivering climate and sustainability benefits for future generations.”

Percy Foster of Foster Environmental said “With global supply chain uncertainty with fossil-based products, now more than ever does it make sense to produce locally based biobased products. The summit was free to attend, and this would not be possible without the generous support, which we are very thankful for from Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food, Bank of Ireland, Gas Networks Ireland, BiOrbic Research Ireland Centre for Bioeconomy, BioConnect, Irish Bioeconomy Foundation and the Biomethane Development Office”.

“Ireland has strong foundations for a thriving bioeconomy, and the development of a cohesive innovation focused ecosystem is critical to bioeconomy development. As a platform for collaboration, BiOrbic will help accelerate this next phase of bioeconomy development.” said Prof. Kevin O’Connor – BiOrbic Ireland’s National Bioeconomy Research Centre.

“The Bioeconomy Summit has become an important platform for showcasing the technologies, ideas and collaborations that will help shape the next few chapters of Ireland’s bioeconomy. From climate-positive innovation to circular business models, the summit brings together emerging initiatives that are not only environmentally sustainable but also represent clear commercial opportunities as they evolve. Bank of Ireland is proud to support a forum that promotes innovation and to fund businesses striving towards a more sustainable future.” said Colette Shirley, Bank of Ireland.

One of the event sponsors, Gas Networks Ireland announced yesterday that it has signed an agreement with Stream BioEnergy to connect its new €80 million biomethane facility in Little Island, Co. Cork, to the national gas network.  Commenting on the announcement, Karen Doyle, Head of Business Development at Gas Networks Ireland, said: “This agreement with Stream BioEnergy marks another important milestone in the development of Ireland’s renewable gas sector and demonstrates the important role biomethane can play in supporting Ireland’s transition to a lower-carbon energy future.” 

More details on the all Island bioeconomy summit can be found on www.bioeconomy.ie

ENDS

Contact:

Percy Foster, percy@foster.ie, 0868129260