In recent years a number of industrial ecology initiatives have emerged in Ireland, including embryonic eco-industrial parks (EIP) and eco-industrial networks (EIN). There are conflicting schemas within the literature for the classification of such initiatives. Clarity of nomenclature and a greater understanding of the underlying concepts are required to facilitate and encourage successful eco-industrial development. This paper presents a classification schema for eco-industrial initiatives, building on existing literature and the authors’ engagement with groups of companies on industrial ecology, cleaner production and related projects. A number of Irish eco-industrial initiatives were reviewed to determine where such initiatives are placed in terms of the classification schema presented. This review produced a gap analysis, which identified the areas where focus could result in an improved classification. It will be shown that Ireland's eco-industrial development is at an embryonic stage, and that much work is needed to realise meaningful results and to validate the concept in the Irish context. In conclusion, the paper assesses the applicability of the industrial ecology concept within the Irish context, discussing the appropriateness of different types of eco-industrial initiatives and exploring the support framework required for such development