Exploring Bioeconomy Opportunities for Rural Ireland at the CAP Network Ireland Conference

Dublin Rural Leader was delighted to take part in the recent CAP Network Ireland Bioeconomy Conference in Tullamore, an event that brought together farmers, researchers, community organisations, agencies, and rural development partners to explore bioeconomy opportunities for rural Ireland. The conference formed part of Bioeconomy Ireland Week and focused on how Ireland can develop new, sustainable value chains that benefit both local communities and the wider environment.

Held at the Tullamore Court Hotel, the event highlighted the huge potential of the bioeconomy to transform rural areas. Speakers and panel sessions explored how agricultural by-products, natural resources, and innovative biobased solutions can be harnessed to support greener business models, new income streams, and job creation within rural regions. For organisations like Dublin Rural Leader, these discussions are directly aligned with ongoing efforts to support community-led local development and encourage long-term sustainability.

One of the strongest themes throughout the day was collaboration. The bioeconomy touches many sectors—from farming and food production to forestry, bioprocessing, circular economy initiatives and more. The conference showcased the value of bringing diverse stakeholders together to share knowledge and explore pathways for innovation. This collaborative approach is essential for unlocking the full potential of Ireland’s rural regions.

For Dublin Rural Leader, the event reinforced how community-level projects can play a major role in Ireland’s transition to a more circular and sustainable economy. Through local partnerships, rural communities can build resilience, provide new opportunities for younger generations, and strengthen the environmental health of their regions.

We are grateful to CAP Network Ireland for hosting such an engaging and forward-thinking event. The insights and connections made in Tullamore will play an important role in shaping our ongoing work to support sustainable rural development across the Dublin region. As Ireland continues to grow its bioeconomy, rural communities will be at the heart of the transition—driving innovation, creating opportunity, and building a thriving future.