A proposed packaging levy would damage competitiveness and not lead to any reduction in waste, retailers have claimed. In a submission to the Government, Ibec, the employers’ association, said any levy would be unnecessary as Ireland is already meeting tough waste targets.
The Government signalled its willingness to introduce a packaging levy in the programme for government in February. The Department of the Environment invited submissions with a deadline of the end of last month. No details have been announced of what shape any future levy might take.
However, Retail Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the retail sector, said it would amount to double taxation on retailers because they already pay millions of euro to Repak, the industry-funded packaging waste recycling scheme.