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20 Feb 2026
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20 Feb 2026
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Minister Alan Dillon with Make Your Wardrobe Work's Maureen McAndrews (left) and Gift of Hands chairperson Marie Chambers (right). Pic: Conor McKeown
Minister of State Alan Dillon TD, who has special responsibility for the Circular Economy at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, travelled to Mayo to meet representatives of Gift of Hands in Mulranny and Make Your Wardrobe Work in, following their success in the circular grants scheme.
The two Mayo-based initiatives were among 40 organisations selected from more than 350 applicants nationwide to receive funding under the €100,000 Circular Communications Grants scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland through the Circular Economy Fund.
Gift of Hands, led by Chairperson Marie Chambers, repurposes waste materials from local businesses, including textiles, into high-quality craft products, with profits reinvested into community initiatives. The organisation also hosts workshops teaching skills in clothing and household fabric repair and upcycling.
Meanwhile, Make Your Wardrobe Work, run by Maureen McAndrews, encourages sustainable fashion by helping people get more from their existing clothes through wardrobe revival, styling support, and preloved-to-reloved initiatives, promoting mindful consumption.
READ MORE: People in Mayo to benefit from changes to housing loans
Speaking during the visit, Minister Dillon said the success of the Mayo projects highlighted the county’s strong role in advancing the circular economy.
“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,” said Minister Dillon.
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 are designed to help community groups strengthen how they communicate their work, enabling them to reach wider audiences and build awareness of circular living across Ireland. The scheme will operate on an annual basis, with applications set to reopen in August.
For more information and the full list of recipients, visit circular.ie
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