Trade bodies demand consultation on Ireland’s new waste tire charges

Dublin – Farmers’ leaders in the Republic of Ireland are protesting against an extension to the country’s 'extended producer responsibility' (EPR) scheme for waste tires.

At the start of 2025, the scheme was broadened to apply charges on agricultural, construction, industrial, truck and bus tires.

In a statement, the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) warned the environmental levy could impact competitiveness and distort the market.

IFA environment chair John Murphy demanded a postponement to the extension.

He criticised the Irish government for failing to engage with key stakeholders on development of the scheme, describing the omission as a "real weakness.”

“IFA is calling for the establishment of a stakeholder working group to provide a forum to alleviate concerns with regards cost-transparency, categorisation, market distortion and competitiveness,” Murphy said.

He added that the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA), Road Haulage Association, Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors Ireland (FCI), and Coach Tourism & Transport Council shared the IFA’s concerns.

Murphy said the farmers' association had written to minister of state for circular economy at the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy, Alan Dillon, to seek a meeting.

In 2017, Ireland introduced a compulsory compliance scheme for tires, to be funded via a 'visible environmental management cost' (vEMC).

The regulations also imposed a charge on imported used vehicles and motorcycles to cover the EMC associated with each vehicle’s tires, including spare tires.

Current fees are €3.44 for each vehicle tire and €1.85 per motorcycle tire.

In 2024, the government warned that it would extend the tire scheme from passenger cars, 4x4 vehicles, van and motorcycles by 1 January 2025.

ERJ has contacted the Irish Tyre Industry Association for comment on this development.