Cork County Council Awards EUR52,000 to 23 Community Groups for Circular Economy Projects

Strategic Insights -

The Circular Economy Fund has awarded EUR52,000 in funding to 23 community groups in Cork County, Ireland, as part of its efforts to promote sustainable and circular living. This initiative, now in its second year, aims to encourage local communities to move away from the traditional "take-make-use-dispose" model and adopt practices that reuse, recycle, and minimize waste, with a focus on reducing single-use plastics (SUPs). The successful projects include the installation of internal and external water bottle filling stations, reusable cup schemes, and the provision of water stations at events.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cork County Council's Circular Economy Fund has awarded EUR52,000 to 23 community groups, the second year of the initiative.
  • The fund aims to promote sustainable and circular living by encouraging communities to adopt reuse, recycle, and minimize waste practices.
  • The successful projects range from installing internal and external water bottle filling stations to implementing reusable cup schemes and water stations at events.
  • The initiatives have been proposed by schools, Tidy Towns groups, sports clubs, and festival organizers, who have submitted innovative proposals to reduce single-use plastics.
  • The fund has supported projects in all five regional divisions in Cork County, with a total of 23 community groups receiving funding.
  • The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley, praised the dedication of local groups and hailed their efforts as a step towards making Cork a more sustainable place to live, work, and visit.
  • Moira Murrell, Chief Executive of Cork County Council, expressed her appreciation for the community partnerships central to the fund's success and praised the local groups for their vision, determination, and leadership in environmental stewardship.

Statistics:

  • EUR52,000 in funding awarded to 23 community groups as part of the Circular Economy Fund 2025.
  • The fund supports projects in reducing single-use plastics with a focus on reusing and recycling.
  • 23 community groups from five regional divisions in Cork County received funding for their projects.
  • EUR52,000 represents a significant step towards supporting local communities in transitioning to sustainable and circular living practices.
  • Five regional divisions in Cork County are supported through the Circular Economy Fund: West Cork, South Cork, North Cork, Midleton, and Mallow.

Sources:

  • Cork County Council, June (2025)
  • [No dates](Cork County Council, 2025, June)