Cork City Council Circular Economy/Waste Prevention Grants 2025
The purpose of the scheme:
This grant is funded by the Emergency Management & Climate Action Directorate of Cork City Council as part of its Circular Economy/ Waste Prevention Programme and its commitments under the National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy 2024‐2030 (Ref: National Target 3A 3B 4A 4B. Core Policies CP5 CP7).
This scheme aims to support Cork City groups to implement waste prevention, re‐use and repair activities in their local community and to encourage partnership between local schools, social enterprises, charities, community and voluntary groups.
What is Circular Economy/Waste Prevention?
Circular Economy/Waste prevention is a crucial approach to minimising the impact of waste on our environment. It involves rethinking our habits and practices to reduce waste generation. Here are some key aspects of circular economy/waste prevention:
- Rethinking Processes: Instead of following the same old routines, we need to critically evaluate how we do things. By questioning existing practices, we can identify opportunities to reduce waste.
- Redesigning Items: Design plays a significant role in waste generation. By creating products that are durable, repairable, and recyclable, we can minimise waste. Sustainable design principles focus on longevity and resource efficiency.
- Repair and Reuse: Repairing items rather than discarding them helps extend their lifespan. Encouraging repair culture and supporting repair services can significantly reduce waste. Similarly, reusing items (such as clothing, electronics, or containers) prevents the need for new production.
- Community Knowledge and Skills: Empowering communities with knowledge about circular economy/waste reduction, repair techniques, and sustainable practices is essential. Workshops, educational programs, and skill sharing initiatives contribute to waste prevention.
- Changing Attitudes and Behaviour: Our consumption patterns and disposal habits impact waste generation. By promoting mindful consumption, encouraging responsible purchasing decisions, and fostering a culture of re-using to waste reduction, we can make a difference.
- Collaboration and Creativity: Addressing waste requires collective effort. Communities, social enterprises, governments, and individuals must work together. Creative solutions, innovative technologies, and collaborative projects can lead to effective waste prevention.
Remember, circular economy/waste prevention is not just about individual actions; it’s a collective responsibility. Let’s think creatively and take steps to reduce waste for a more sustainable future!
Cork City Council may pay a circular economy/waste prevention grant up to a maximum of €1,500 to voluntary or community groups or schools for waste prevention / reuse / repair / upcycling projects in their local community.
How to apply:
1. Complete the circular economy/waste prevention grant application form.
2. If you are successful in your application and have not previously received funding from Cork City Council, a new supplier set‐up form will need to be completed at https://corkcity.submit.com/show/115 to facilitate direct payment.
Payment of grants:
1. The applicants will be informed whether their application has been successful or not by Friday 25th April 2025.
2. 75% of the grant shall be paid at the beginning of the project. Payment of the remaining 25% will be made on submission of a completion report. Grants shall be paid to the name of the group specified on the grant application form. Please ensure that this name is the same as the name on the group’s bank account.
3. Please be advised that any grant that remains unclaimed by 15th December 2025 will be cancelled.
Other Conditions
Freedom of Information
Please note that information supplied in or accompanying this application may be made available under the Freedom of Information Act 2014
Discrimination
It is understood that your group does not deny access on the grounds of gender, civil status, family status, age, disability, race, sexual orientation, religious belief, or membership of the Traveling Community without just, reasonable and proper cause.
Child Protection
It is understood that your group has proper child protection and welfare policies and procedures in place.
Data Protection
Cork City Council is committed to fulfilling its obligations imposed by the Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2018 and the GDPR. Our privacy statement and data protections policy is available at
https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/public-info/gdpr. We request that you read these as they contain important information about how we process personal data.
Application Form
The application form is detailed and is designed to ensure that it has the necessary information to evaluate each proposal accurately and fairly. Please ensure that you complete the application form in full and that any documentation in support of your application is submitted with your application.
Only projects that meet the criteria outlined above will be considered eligible.
PLEASE NOTE THAT INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS OR LATE APPLICATIONS CANNOT BE CONSIDERED.
For any queries please e-mail the Sustainability Section of Cork City Council at environmentccp@corkcity.ie