Ciaran Foley
IrelandpoliticianMale5.7Global Dominance: 0.00%Ciaran Foley is the head of Re-turn, Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which was launched in February 2024 with the aim of increasing recycling rates for plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Under his leadership, the scheme has achieved significant milestones, including the recycling of over 1.8 billion containers and hitting its EU-mandated targets ahead of schedule. Foley has faced criticism regarding the scheme's implementation and public perception, but remains focused on educating consumers about the benefits of recycling and the circular economy. He emphasizes that Re-turn operates on a not-for-profit basis, aiming to reinvest any profits into furthering environmental initiatives and supporting community causes.
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Ciarán Foley is the chief executive of Re-turn and sits on the board.
Why it matters what Re-turn pays executives and directors – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-08-12
Ciarán Foley is the leader of Re-turn, which manages Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme.
Re-turn disputes its own figures as questions over executive pay persist – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-08-09Ciarán Foley is the chief executive of Re-Turn and was appointed to lead the body in 2023.
Re-Turn chief executive and board share six-figure pay rise – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-08-05
Ciarán Foley is the chief executive of Re-Turn, which manages the Deposit Return Scheme.
‘They’re sitting on a pile of unclaimed deposits’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-23
Ciaran Foley highlighted how many people on social media give out about the Re-turn scheme.
From ‘it adds car journeys’ to ‘an incentive for people to litter less’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-15
Ciaran Foley is the head of Re-turn, the Deposit Return Scheme introduced in Ireland.
‘How do we make less money?’ Re-turn continues to break records with cash it actively doesn’t want – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-15