Cork County Council Awards Over €50,000 to 29 Community Groups Through 2026 Circular Economy Fund

Cork County Council has awarded over €50,000 to 29 community groups across the county as part of its 2026 Circular Economy Fund, supporting local efforts to reduce waste and move away from single-use plastics.

Now in its third year, the fund backs initiatives that promote reuse, recycling, and waste minimisation, with a particular focus on reducing single-use plastics (SUPs). Projects supported this year include reusable cup schemes at community events, reusable container schemes for meals on wheels, and the installation of permanent water refill stations at sports grounds and schools. Community centres are also being supported in replacing single-use crockery with reusable alternatives, and water stations are being provided at events.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said:

"This fund shows what can be achieved when Cork County Council works hand-in-hand with our communities. From sports clubs and community groups to festival and event organisers, people right across the county are taking practical steps to reduce single-use plastics and build a culture of reuse. We're proud to support that local ambition and the positive change it delivers."

The 2026 fund was open to schools, Tidy Towns groups, sports clubs, and festival organisers, inviting proposals to reduce reliance on single-use plastics.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell said:

"Our communities are leading the way in reducing single-use plastics and embracing practical, everyday reuse. Through the Circular Economy Fund, Cork County Council is backing local groups to deliver initiatives that make it easier for people to embrace the circular economy, helping to protect our environment and keep Cork a great place to live, work and visit."

The 29 successful applicants are:

• Ballyhoura Fáilte DAC
• Ballymaloe Grainstore
• Ballymore Cobh Athletic Club
• Bunscoil na Toirbhirte
• Charleville Agricultural Show Society Limited
• Charleville GAA Club
• Clonakilty Tidy Towns
• Cloth Nappy Library Ireland Company CLG
• Doheny GAA Club
• Fountainstown Community Sports Club
• Garnish GAA
• Goggins Hill National School
• Kilbrin Community Council
• Kilworth Celtic Football Club
• Kinsale Community School
• Liscarroll NS
• Meitheal Mara
• Millstreet Community Council Company Limited by Guarantee
• Mount Saint Michael Secondary School (Rosscarbery)
• Rockchapel Gathering Weekend
• Rosscarbery Business Association
• Rushbrooke Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
• Scoil Bhride (Ballydehob)
• Skibbereen Geriatric Society
• St Josephs GNS (Clonakilty)
• St. Abbey's Glantane N.S.
• St. Colum's GAA Club
• Sustainability in Cork Alliance
• Tograí Chléire