Wednesday, 27 August 2025
Circular Economy Grants Launched to Support Community Initiatives Across Ireland The national push toward circular living is gaining momentum with the launch of a new €100,000 Circular Communication Grants scheme, announced by Circular.ie, Ireland’s national platform for circular economy communications. This funding opportunity is open to community-focused groups across the country, including those in Mayo, […]
The national push toward circular living is gaining momentum with the launch of a new €100,000 Circular Communication Grants scheme, announced by Circular.ie, Ireland’s national platform for circular economy communications. This funding opportunity is open to community-focused groups across the country, including those in Mayo, aiming to promote reuse, repair, and sustainable practices in their local areas.
Circular living refers to an economic model that prioritises waste prevention by encouraging reuse, repair, and resource sharing. Unlike the traditional ‘take-make-dispose’ system, a circular economy keeps materials in use for as long as possible, helping to protect the environment and build resilient communities.
The global environmental crisis has made the circular economy a necessity rather than an option. According to the Circularity Gap Report, only around 7.2% of materials consumed worldwide are reused, a stark reminder of how linear our systems remain. Transitioning to a circular model can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut down on resource extraction, and protect ecosystems. Community-level projects play a critical role in making this shift tangible, bringing large-scale sustainability goals down to street level.
This grant initiative aligns with Ireland’s Circular Economy Strategy 2022–2023, which lays out a vision for a low-waste, resource-efficient society. The strategy commits to reducing landfill dependency, increasing recycling rates, and creating jobs through green innovation. Programmes like the Circular Communication Grants are instrumental in helping local organisations bring this national vision to life through hands-on, practical efforts that resonate with local communities.
This new funding initiative will award over 40 grants to eligible groups across Ireland. The scheme supports projects that help spread awareness and understanding of circular practices. Examples include:
Groups eligible to apply include:
These groups must be working on or planning initiatives that support circular economy practices and public awareness.
Applications for the scheme are open until November 7. To support applicants, Circular.ie is hosting an online event titled “What is Circular?” on Thursday, August 28 at 10 a.m. The session, delivered by Eibhlin Fitzpatrick, Community Liaison at Circular.ie, will provide full details about eligibility, the application process, and how to get involved. Interested parties can register at www.circular.ie.
Minister of State Alan Dillon, a Mayo native and Minister with special responsibility for the Circular Economy, welcomed the launch: “This grant programme will help raise awareness of the innovative initiatives happening across Ireland and of those working to build a more sustainable future. We are proud to recognise their work and help them to increase the visibility of their activities and the significant role they play in building circular communities.”
Claire Downey, CEO of The Rediscovery Centre (which leads the Circular.ie project), added: “With these Circular Communication Grants, we want to help communities and organisations spread the word about all of their great work, and to encourage more people in Mayo and across the country to get involved in these initiatives.”
This funding opportunity is a valuable chance for community-driven initiatives to gain support, grow their outreach, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether you’re hosting a repair café, organising a sharing hub, or promoting zero-waste practices, the Circular Communication Grants scheme can help you amplify your impact.
Apply now or register for the information session at Circular.ie.
While recycling is often seen as the cornerstone of sustainability, circular living goes further. It encourages repairing instead of replacing, borrowing instead of buying, and designing products with reuse in mind. Initiatives like tool libraries, clothing swaps, and community composting projects are redefining what sustainable consumption looks like. The shift isn’t just technical, it’s cultural, and it requires public engagement and education.
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