Bank of Ireland co-sponsors All-Island Bioeconomy Summit

Group photo showing minister heydon with representatives from bank of ireland, gas networks ireland and bioeconomy groups.

Pictured are (L-R): Karen Doyle (Gas Networks Ireland), Ajay Sutrakar (Biomethane Development Office), Celia Cremin (Foster Environmental), Stephen Napier (Irish Bioeconomy Foundation), Cathey Keenan (BiOrbic), Colette Shirley (Bank of Ireland), Minister Heydon, & Jennifer Savage (BioConnect).

 

Minister Heydon Launches the All-Island Bioeconomy Summit

27 March 2026: The Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, launched the 5th All Island Bioeconomy Summit with representatives of Bank of Ireland, Gas Networks Ireland, BiOrbic Research Ireland Centre for Bioeconomy, BioConnect, Irish Bioeconomy Foundation, Biomethane Development Office and Foster Environmental.

This year’s summit will be held on the 19th of May in Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co. Meath.

Minister Heydon said “The bioeconomy presents a major opportunity for Ireland’s agriculture, forestry, marine and food sectors. It has the potential to unlock new value streams from crops, grass, timber, food and fish processing and while strengthening the role of primary producers across the value chain.

“Through targeted investment in bioeconomy piloting and demonstration projects since 2024, we are moving innovation out of the laboratory and into real-world application. This is critical to scaling up solutions such as biochar, new food ingredients and protein and fertiliser sources, and ensuring that Ireland is at the forefront of the transition to a climate-neutral and resilient economy.

The bioeconomy summit has grown stronger each year since its inception in 2021. From its humble beginnings as an online event, this year’s summit is expected to welcome over 250 delegates. The event will allow for key stakeholder and networks of the bioeconomy on the island of Ireland to meet and will this year focus on areas such as biomethane, commercial bioeconomy development and replacing fossil fuel products with new biobased products.

The Minister also highlighted the upcoming Global summit to be held later this year in Ireland.

“Ireland’s role in hosting the Global Bioeconomy Summit in October 2026 as part of our EU Presidency further highlights our ambition to lead internationally on the bioeconomy, building partnerships and showcasing Irish innovation on a global level.”

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