The potential for development of eco industries in Ireland

Abstract

This dissertation sought to determine the status o f Eco Industries in Ireland with a view to incorporating ethical investment, policies o f sustainable development and support systems as a means to improve Ireland’s competitiveness and increase innovation to aid Ireland’s endeavour to become a more knowledge based economy. In order to establish the current level of awareness o f Eco Industry in Ireland, 100 questionnaires were distributed among a range o f different types o f companies, selected from the industrial sector, using relevant industrial classifications. A response rate o f 28% was recorded and the issues discussed in this dissertation are based on the information supplied by the 28 respondents. A discussion o f the results identified a low response rate from the small to medium sized companies, which lead to a greater representation o f the opinions o f large companies. The current level of awareness of Eco Industries was also identified. Opinions were also sought and obtained from respondent companies to the specific drivers and barriers in place, which promote and limit the number of companies adopting Eco industry status. The discussion of results also identified the number o f companies with some form o f environmental and safety management systems in place. These systems are the first steps towards Eco Industry status and with additional support this can be achieved. From the findings o f this study recommendations are given to support and promote the future adoption o f Eco Industry in Ireland.