The agenda for the 2026 conference will be posted here when it is finalised.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
This preliminary agenda provides an overview of the planned topics. Please note that details may be adjusted as the agenda is finalised. We encourage you to revisit this page for the most up-to-date information over the coming weeks.
08:30 – 09:30
Registration and Tea/Coffee
Session 1 – Setting the Scene
Chair: David Flynn, Director of the Office of Environmental Sustainability, EPA
09:40 – 09:55
Ministerial Address
Minister Alan Dillon, Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment with special responsibility for Circular Economy
09:55 – 10:50
Roundtable Discussion
Roundtable discussion moderated by the chair with three senior public sector policy representatives – Martina Hennessy (Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment), Joseph Cummins (Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment) and Heidi Redmond (Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland).
11:00 – 11:30
Coffee Break
Session 2 – Producer Responsibility in Priority Sectors
Chair: Dr Geraldine Brennan, Director of Circular Economy Innovation at Irish Manufacturing Research
11:30 – 11:45
Plastics
Katharina Schlegel Thummer, Council Director, Circularity and End-of-Life, Plastics Europe
11:45 – 12:00
Product life extension processes
David Fitzsimons, Director, European Remanufacturing Council
12:15 – 12:25
Local circular solutions
Rebecca Wilson, Director of Education, Research and Policy, Rediscovery Centre
12:25 – 12:50
Q&A
Moderated by chair
12:50 – 14:00
Lunch Break
Session 3 – Markets & Consumption
Chair: Warren Phelan, Programme Manager, Circular Economy Programme, EPA
14:00 – 14:15
EU Circular Economy Act
Dr Florian Flachenecker, Taskforce Leader on the Circular Economy Act, DG ENV
14:30 – 14:45
Social and environmental impacts of overconsumption
Dr Orla Kelly, Associate Professor in Social Policy, UCD
14:45 – 14:55
Local circular solutions
Seán McCabe, Head of Climate Justice & Sustainability, Bohemian FC
14:55 – 15:25
Q&A
Moderated by chair
15:25 – 15:30
Closing remarks