diff --git a/compiler/cli/src/org/jetbrains/kotlin/cli/jvm/compiler/KotlinCoreEnvironment.kt b/compiler/cli/src/org/jetbrains/kotlin/cli/jvm/compiler/KotlinCoreEnvironment.kt
index 35aff583312..d1dddd01a88 100644
--- a/compiler/cli/src/org/jetbrains/kotlin/cli/jvm/compiler/KotlinCoreEnvironment.kt
+++ b/compiler/cli/src/org/jetbrains/kotlin/cli/jvm/compiler/KotlinCoreEnvironment.kt
@@ -486,7 +486,10 @@ class KotlinCoreEnvironment private constructor(
             }
         }
 
-        private fun disposeApplicationEnvironment() {
+        /**
+         * This method is also used in Gradle after configuration phase finished.
+         */
+        fun disposeApplicationEnvironment() {
             synchronized(APPLICATION_LOCK) {
                 val environment = ourApplicationEnvironment ?: return
                 ourApplicationEnvironment = null