Minister visits Mayo recipients of circular communications grants

con-telegraph.ie · Feb 23, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

Full Article

Minister Alan Dillon with Maureen McAndrews of Make Your Wardrobe Work and Marie Chambers, chairperson, Gift of Hands, Mulranny. Both organisations received Circular.ie Circular Communications Grants. Photo: Conor McKeown Published: Mon 23 Feb 2026, 6:30 AM MINISTER of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment with special responsibility for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon, has celebrated with two local organisations - Gift of Hands, Mulranny, and Make Your Wardrobe Work - their success in winning circular.ie Circular Communications Grants. The visit follows the announcement in December of 40 community groups and organisations across the country being awarded the Circular Communications Grants, a €100,000 scheme funded by the government under the Circular Economy Fund. Both of the Mayo projects were selected from more than 350 applications nationwide, showing the strong role that local initiatives are playing in upcycling and sustainable living today. Gift of Hands, Mulranny, led by chairperson Marie Chambers, transforms waste materials from local businesses, including textiles that would otherwise be disposed of, into high quality craft products, with all profits reinvested into community initiatives in Mulranny. The project also runs workshops sharing skills in repairing and repurposing clothing and household fabrics. Make Your Wardrobe Work, by Maureen McAndrews, is a sustainable fashion initiative helping people to get more from their clothes through styling support, wardrobe revival and preloved-to-reloved solutions, encouraging more mindful consumption. Minister Alan Dillon with members of Gift of Hands, Mulranny (from left) Anne Moran, Rita Bannon, Kathryn Giffith, Marie Chambersand Kathleen Carolan. Photo: Conor McKeown Speaking during the visit, Minister Dillon said: “By championing the circular economy, these local initiatives in Mayo are not only advancing sustainability but also supporting job creation and strengthening the local economy. I am delighted that they have secured these grants, which will help shine a spotlight on the outstanding work they are doing for their community.” Eibhlin Fitzpatrick, community manager at Circular.ie, added: “Mayo has always had a strong tradition of community led sustainability, and it is great to see that reflected in the work of both of these grant winners.” The Circular Communications Grants support community groups to strengthen how they communicate their work, helping them reach wider audiences and build greater awareness of circular living across Ireland. Circular.ie has confirmed that the grants scheme will operate annually and applications will reopen again in August. Published: Mon 23 Feb 2026, 6:30 AM