'A fantastic resource': First-of-its-kind sustainable initiative launched for in Clare

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with responsibility for Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD, joined the Southern Region Waste Planning Office in partnership with local authorities, including Clare County Council, to launch ‘Circular Cups for Community Events’ – a first-of-its-kind initiative in Ireland. 

This pioneering programme provides local not-for-profit community events, throughout the Southern Waste Region, with access to high quality reusable cups, designed to eliminate single-use waste at their events. Local authorities in counties Clare, Tipperary, Limerick, Cork, Waterford, Kerry, Wexford, Kilkenny and Carlow are now involved in this initiative. 

Minister Dillon commented at the launch: "This 'Circular Cups for Community Events' initiative is exactly the kind of grassroots, collaborative action that drives our national circular economy ambitions forward. It empowers communities to actively reduce waste, embrace sustainable practices, and sets a fantastic example for the rest of the country. My Department is proud to support this vital step towards a greener, more sustainable future for Ireland."

READ MORE: LATEST: Plans unveiled for six new public roads across County Clare

This programme now empowers a wide variety of organisations including local sports clubs, schools, youth organisations, craft markets and community festivals to easily access a shared stock of reusable pint, half-pint and hot/cold beverage cups with or without lids. The stock includes 12,000 pint cups, 9,000 half-pint cups and 7,000 coffee cups, ensuring ample supply for various event sizes.

"This initiative is the culmination of extensive collaborative effort and a shared vision to make sustainable event management a reality for our communities," said Pauline McDonogh, Circular Economy Co-ordinator at Regional Waste Management Planning Offices. 

"The Local Authorities in the Southern Waste Region, including Clare County Council, have been instrumental in making 'Circular Cups for Community Events' a reality, from contributing to the cup stock to championing its local rollout. Our role at Regional Waste Management Planning Offices is to facilitate the establishment of the necessary infrastructure and coordinate this region-wide partnership. We’re providing the tools and the system; our local communities and the Environmental Awareness Officers are the vital heart driving its success on the ground,” she added. 

The service, operated by IRD Duhallow, on behalf of the local authorities in the Southern Waste Region, is designed for maximum convenience: cups are delivered clean to event locations, collected after the event, and professionally washed at a dedicated facility for guaranteed reuse up to 300 times – embodying a truly circular solution for local communities. Organisers will contribute only towards the cost of transportation and a nominal washing fee, making sustainable practices accessible and affordable. A deposit for cup losses is also factored in when placing the cup order.

While the ambition for such a model is national, the service is currently focused on events and festivals within the Southern Waste Region. This approach ensures the programme can effectively demonstrate its profound impact at a local and regional level, setting a benchmark for future expansion.

Brendan Flynn, Senior Executive, Environment Section, Clare County Council highlights the local impact, stating: “The 'Circular Cups for Community Events' programme is a fantastic resource that empowers our local clubs, schools, and event organisers to significantly reduce waste and embrace greener practices. Our Local Authority is proud to be a key partner in this initiative, and our Environmental Awareness Officer is actively working to promote its uptake and support local groups in making the switch to reusable solutions. We are also exploring potential grants to further assist local festivals in leveraging this valuable resource.”

The booking system for ‘Circular Cups for Community Events’ is now live, and reusable cups will be available for all eligible events from January 12 2026, onwards. Not-for-profit groups within the Southern Waste Region are encouraged to click here to learn more and secure their supply.