Cork County Council Opens 2026 Circular Economy Fund Applications

Cork County Council has launched applications for its 2026 Circular Economy Fund, offering community groups across the county financial support to tackle single-use plastic waste. Following last year's distribution of over €52,000 to 23 projects, this year's fund specifically targets initiatives that reduce reliance on disposable plastics.

The fund supports communities in moving away from the traditional take-make-use-dispose model towards a circular economy where resources are reused, repaired, or recycled. Schools, community groups, sports clubs, festivals, and events throughout the Cork County Council administrative area are invited to submit proposals addressing the environmental threat posed by single-use plastics.

Last year's Circular Economy Fund demonstrated strong community appetite for sustainable solutions, with 23 groups receiving funding totalling more than €52,000. The projects supported ranged from waste reduction initiatives to practical reuse schemes across the county.

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

"Cork County Council is delighted to support communities across the county in delivering meaningful behavioural change when it comes to reducing waste, particularly single-use plastic. As a nation, we have become overly reliant on disposable items, and it is encouraging to see the positive impact that so many schools, festivals, sports clubs, and community groups have had through previous rounds of the Circular Economy Fund."

Eligible projects for 2026 funding include reusable cup or container schemes for community use or meals-on-wheels programmes, permanent water refill stations at sports facilities and schools, and water refill points at festivals and events.

A key initiative this year is Circular Cups for Community Events, a reusable cup rental service for small-scale, not-for-profit events. Community organisers can hire reusable cups that are delivered to events, collected afterwards, and professionally washed for future use, eliminating the need for single-use beverage containers.

Applications must be submitted online by 4:00pm on Friday, 20th February 2026. Only organisations within the Cork County Council administrative area are eligible, and commercial or for-profit bodies cannot apply. For 2026, applications must specifically address single-use plastic reduction.

For further information, visit www.corkcoco.ie, email cefund@corkcoco.ie, or phone 021 4532700. Applications can be submitted at corkcoco.ie.