Latest news with #CircularEconomyFund
Irish Independent
03-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Cork community groups funded to reduce single-use plastics
Cork County Council has awarded over €52,000 in funding to 23 community groups as part of its Circular Economy Fund. The fund, now in its second year, supports local communities to take actions that reuse, recycle, and minimise waste. This year there's a particular focus on reducing single-use plastics. The 2025 fund invited applications from schools, Tidy Towns groups, sports clubs, and festival organisers, encouraging innovative proposals on how to reduce plastic waste. A wide range of projects will be supported this year, including reusable cup schemes in the community, reusable container schemes for meals on wheels, and the installation of permanent water refill stations at sports grounds and in schools. Other projects include community centres using reusable crockery rather than single-use plastics, and the provision of water stations at events. The successful applicants include the Transition Town Kinsale voluntary group (reusable cup scheme), Millstreet Community School (installation of an internal water bottle filling station), and Ballymaloe Grainstore (reusable cups/containers). 'It is very encouraging to see so many communities across the county taking meaningful steps to address single-use plastics and embrace circular economy principles. These communities are spearheading change, and each action, whether big or small, has the potential to make a lasting impact,' said the Mayor of County Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley. 'We are proud to work closely with local groups who continue to demonstrate vision, determination, and leadership in environmental stewardship. Their efforts are vital to making Cork a more sustainable place to live, work, and visit,' said Moira Murrell, Chief Executive of Cork County Council.
South Wales Guardian
11-05-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Cwmaman aims to become Carmarthenshire's next tourist hotbed
Cwmaman is benefiting from the Ten Towns programme, delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council, and the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund. The town is close to urban centres in Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, and Swansea, and is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Brecon Beacons National Park and a network of scenic walking trails. The funding has allowed for a number of projects to be completed, including the refurbishment of the town's 28-bed bunkhouse. The facility now has improved kitchen, shower, and toilet facilities, as well as enhanced disabled access and upgraded furnishings. Bilingual narrative trails showcasing Cwmaman's rich heritage have also been introduced. These interactive trails feature audio elements that bring the town's history to life. The town's businesses have benefited from the Revitalising Rural Town Centre Fund, with several premises receiving grants to improve their exterior appearances. In addition, the town has benefited from a new painted mural by Carmarthenshire artist Steve Jenkins. To be located at Raven Square, the mural will depict the town's rich history and heritage. Public spaces in the town have also seen improvements, including new bus shelters, small scale planting projects, and upgraded surfaces in Glanaman and Garnant Squares. Cwmaman's commitment to sustainability is also evident in its involvement with the Circular Economy Fund. A public art installation made from waste materials was recently completed, highlighting the town's dedication to sustainability while adding to its artistic landscape. The artwork was presented to the community council by children from Ysgol y Bedol. They had been working with local multimedia CISP to create the artwork and it will be displayed at Cwmaman Community Centre. Carmarthenshire County Council's cabinet member for rural affairs, community cohesion and planning policy, Councillor Carys Jones, said: "Cwmaman is a great example of how we can make a real difference in our rural towns. "Thanks to the funding, the town is becoming a more welcoming and sustainable place, with new facilities and a focus on preserving its culture and heritage."
