This initiative was further developed to allow social enterprise organizations based in Ireland to apply for funding to support operation of the scheme during 2021 and hopefully beyond.
Bikes – Dropped off for Metal Recycling – Recycle IT
We are delighted to share the news that the successful applicants for the initiative have now been chosen. They are
The Rediscovery Centre & Rothar Velo in Dublin 9.
Frontline Bikes/ Frontline Make Change in Dublin 8.
Treo Port Lairge CLG (aka Renew Enterprises) in Waterford.
The Life Cycle Consortium in Galway – Westside Resource Centre and An Mheitheal Rothar.
Sign & Cycle in Cork – Cork Community Cycles & Deaf Enterprises.
How it Works
The pilot fund will be administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development as part of its Community Services Programme, with funding of up to €3m provided by the Department of Transport over a three year period.
The pilot will support a number of social enterprises in 2021 and will, depending on the level of success of the pilot, seek to bring additional organizations into the initiative in 2022 with up to €3 million available to this pilot bike and e-bike upcycling initiative.
There were fourteen applications received and the five applicants listed above were approved for support under this pilot initiative.
This scheme will provide transport options to those on limited incomes, it will support training and employment opportunities for those who may have had difficulty accessing the mainstream labour market and reduce the number of bikes going to landfill through reuse and refurbishment to allow a second life.
Old Bikes – Collected for Recycling
At the announcement Minister O’Brien said:
“I would like to thank all those who submitted applications under this pilot initiative and I welcome the geographical spread of the successful organizations.
“The successful projects were chosen because they are very innovative and outline a model that has the potential for replication on a nationwide basis, thereby supporting the Programme for Government commitment to widening the eligibility of the Bike to Work Scheme to ensure that bikes are more accessible to those in our society who are most disadvantaged or marginalized. It is envisaged that the pilot projects will also provide training and employment and will help reduce the number of bikes going to landfill. These outcomes combined with the wider environmental and health benefits of increased bike use ensure that this pilot is a vitally important scheme and one I very much hope to build on over the coming years.”
Darragh O’Brien, TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Minister Ryan, whose Department will provide the funding for this pilot initiative, said:
“Bikes will get a second life, and the people building them will provide a vital service in their communities with these pilot projects. The demand for bicycles, parts and maintenance far exceeds supply in many places around the country. This scheme keeps valuable materials in circulation, builds local expertise, and will shorten the turnaround time for those who have come to rely on the bicycle as a convenient way of getting around.”
Eamon Ryan, TD, Minister for Transport and the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is anaward-winning social enterprise providing recycling collection and drop off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal items.
During 2020 Recycle IT operated a curtailed drop off and collection services to homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of batteries, computers, cables, monitors, kettles. microwaves and screens. We are open again in 2021 working within the COVID 19 guidelines.
Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, Dormant Accounts Fund, Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.
For further details about our free and cost-effective services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at www.recycleit.ie
Recycle IT are Pakman Ireland Awards Winners – WEEE Recycling Champion 2019
The Social Enterprise Development Fund is a €3.2 million Fund being delivered from 2018 – 2022. The fund was created by Rethink Ireland in partnership with Local Authorities Ireland and funded by IPB Insurance and the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Dormant Accounts Fund.
Rethink Ireland today announced the 34 Awardees of their Social Enterprise Development Fund; 16 enterprises will receive cash grants and business support, and a further 18 projects have been awarded a place on the organization’s Genesis Programme.
Rethink Ireland Logo
Recycle IT are delighted to be announced as one of 34 recipients. To learn more and view the full list of organizations which have received funding and business supports please click here and please do share this good news in your network!
About
Rethink Ireland provides cash grants and business support to the social innovations who can make a real difference. Our task is to fuel these innovations with the knowledge and the advice they’ll need to succeed on a nationally impactful scale.
Rethink Ireland help open doors and give them access to the networks and connections who can help them spread their ideas throughout Ireland. We nurture communities of like-minded organizations who come together to share thoughts and approaches.
Impacts
Some of the groups Rethink Ireland has supported with cash grants and business guidance have gone on to make big impressions on the community with society-changing transformations. There are the more widely known social innovations like Food Cloud, Alone and GIY, then there are those quietly changing the lives of communities for better. The real life examples listed here will help paint a bigger picture!
Contact
Based in Galway, Cork and Dublin, the Rethink Ireland team are strategically located to hold events, seminars and Accelerator programmes to support social innovations across Ireland. You can click here to contact the team.
New EU rules have been introduced that require manufacturers of electrical goods such as fridges and televisions to make their products repairable for at least 10 years after first coming to market.
The new rules are part of the EU’s efforts to cut the environmental footprint of manufactured goods and make them more repairable. These rules introduced on March 1 mean that all new washing machines, hairdryers, refrigerators and displays – including televisions – sold in EU countries must be repairable and spare part used in repair will be made available for up to 10 years.
House Appliance
Steps in Ireland
In a further step to increase repair and reuse in Ireland, FIT, a non-profit training organization, WEEE Ireland, and the White Goods Association have come together to create a curriculum and formal career pathway for field service technicians. This new training course aims to attract new entrants and create a steady supply of trained technicians to address a growing want for maintenance, repair and reuse of white goods as opposed to disposal.
Training
The project will be run by FIT with the support of Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) in a new training centre in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath. Participants will complete a 36-week training programme which incorporates an extensive work placement. White Goods Association members have agreed to support the 12-week work experience component of the course.
List of Supporting Organizations
This circular economy skills initiative opens up a new and exciting career for women and men who have an interest in prolonging the life-cycle of our white goods in the interest of sustainability, reduced waste and enhance environmental wellbeing.
The aim of prolonging the life-cycle of our white goods used daily in home across Ireland is very worthwhile and one people should think about for considering the purchase of a new washing machine, tumble dryer machine or dishwasher. The course aims to increase the number of service technicians available in the repair market which offers more choice for people interested.
This initiative is supported by a grant from the CIRCULÉIRE Innovation fund. CIRCULÉIRE is Ireland’s first industry-led innovation network dedicated to accelerating the circular economy.
To learn more and register an interest in the training course click here
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is anaward-winning social enterprise providing recycling collection and drop off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal items.
During 2020 Recycle IT operated a curtailed drop off and collection services to homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of batteries, computers, cables, monitors, kettles. microwaves and screens. We are open again in 2021 working within the COVID 19 guidelines.
Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, Dormant Accounts Fund, Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.
For further details about our free and cost-effective services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at www.recycleit.ie
Recycle IT are Pakman Ireland Awards Winners – WEEE Recycling Champion 2019
The Social Enterprise sector in Ireland offers approx. 25,000 – 35,000 jobs, about €1.4 billion in economic activity and addresses numerous challenges faced by Irish society.
A 2012 report from Forfas defines social enterprise in Ireland as “an enterprise that trades for a social/societal purpose, where at least part of its income is earned from its trading activity, is separate from government, and where the surplus is primarily reinvested in the social objective.”
Social Enterprise at Work – Recycle IT
The report also lists the four categories under which social enterprises trade
commercial opportunities that are established to create a social return;
employment opportunities for marginalized groups;
economic and community development organisations;
services delivery organisation
From experience, it can be said that these four categories almost always overlap and are shared objectives for many social enterprises.
The Social Enterprise Sector
There are an estimated 1400 Social Enterprises operating in communities all over Ireland. These include services such meal on wheels, youth café, care organisations, creches, credit unions, leisure centres, community centres and a whole array of other businesses. They offer essential services and tackle problems in society such as food poverty, housing or environmental issues.
In 2014 Forbes said “Ireland has a buoyant social enterprise sector, benefiting from a marked increase in the calibre of social entrepreneurs, and growing numbers of them.
Forbes also suggested social enterprises are contributing significantly to Ireland’s economic recovery, especially in job creation” It seems once Ireland formalizes the sector and introduce a national policy there will be an opportunity to grow jobs in the sector and deliver further services in rural and urban communities.
Europe
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has been actively involved in the European social enterprise and social economy agenda for more than 10 years and supports social enterprise growth and development as a key element of the European social model.
European Economic & Social Committee Click Here to Read
How is the Irish Social Enterprise Sector Viewed!
In 2016, the tops 10 countries in the world for social enterprise were recorded as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Singapore, Israel, Chile, South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia and France. Ireland currently ranks in second last place in the list according to research by the Thompson Reuters Foundation (2016)
The criteria used to determine if there is a favourable environment for social enterprise include:
Conditions are favourable for social entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses
Government policy supports social entrepreneurs
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to get grant funding
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to access investment (debt and/or equity)
Social entrepreneurs can access the non-financial support they need (e.g. financial, legal and technical advice; access to markets and networks; coaching, mentoring and training)
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to government
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to business
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to the public
It is easy for social entrepreneurs to attract staff with the required skills
The public understands what social entrepreneurs do
Social entrepreneurs can make a living from their work in my country
Social entrepreneurship is gaining momentum
The fact that Ireland is ranked 42nd out of 44 nations across the world suggests that social enterprise ideas and organisations face challenges right from initial startup.
The Future
In early 2017, it was announced that regional economic development minister Michael Ring TD was to bring forward an Irish national policy for social enterprise some four years after a Forfas report recommended such an action. This long-awaited policy can help Ireland create a well-defined social enterprise sector.
Once the sector has a formal and defined status there is potential to access funding for good ideas and combined with strong leadership these ideas can grow and develop to service the needs of many local communities, individuals and groups.
Types of Social Enterprise Source: Forfas
Potential funding sources include the European Fund for Strategic Investment, a variety of grants as well as income from government tenders and business contracts for the delivery of services.
In July 2017, the Dept of Rural and Community Development established a research partnership with the Social Finance Foundation for the purpose of carrying out targeted research and stakeholder engagement with the social enterprise sector to inform the development of the National Policy.
Speaking in the national parliament, Dáil Éireann in June 2018 Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD said: “The Action Plan for Rural Development includes a commitment to develop and publish a National Policy on Social Enterprise, which will encompass the full range of activity in the sector”.
National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland
The Department of Rural and Community Development has published Ireland’s first-ever Social Enterprise Policy in July 2019.
The National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland is part of a suite of policy initiatives from the Department of Rural and Community Development to support those who work with communities and disadvantaged groups. Other initiatives include a new Strategy for the Community and Voluntary Sectors and a new National Volunteering Strategy, both of which will be published this year.
Social Enterprise at Work
Recycle IT operate an electrical recycling business in the social economy sector with the aims of creating social, economic and environmental value. Our team provide recycling services for communities and the market. Any profits generated are used to support social objectives which include a range of community-focused services.
Profit are not shared with company directors and the organisation has no commercial stakeholders. Our board is voluntary and any profits are reinvested in recycling operations. Recycle IT is a not for profit Social Enterprise.
Our awarding-winning recycling service is friendly, effective, yet not glamorous. Work is hard but offers the real opportunity for training and skills development. Teamwork helps supports our goals and everyone involved “works to do good” while simultaneously helping to ensure financial sustainability. There is a focused approach to identifying and managing revenue streams which support the company to cover operating costs and reinvest for the future.
CSR Commended – Recycle IT
What’s Good?
Social enterprise success generally means more social and/or environmental good with profits reinvested to deliver change.
Usually, social enterprises have more inclusive and diverse structures with women and men coming for a wide range of background to help start-up, develop and lead organisations. Social enterprises work on a range of challenges using the tools of business to advance ideas and deliver services. Social Enterprise is likely to be more innovate and experiment more than traditional business as they work to fill gaps in the market that are of little interest to public sector bodies and profits are limited for the private sector companies. Finally, most work collaboratively and bring people on a journey of change.
Learn more about nine award-winning Social Enterprises operating in Dublin:
Click hereto learn about the impact on communities when you decide to buy from a social enterprise.
Social Enterprise Actions and Events:
Standing out from the Crowd: How to effectively market a social enterprise – Wednesday July 28th 2021 – Details here
Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards 2021 – submit an application by 30th of April 2021 – Details here
Working to Change – Social Enterprise and Employment Strategy 2021 – 2023 – Download here
Social Enterprise & Employment Initiative 2020: Supporting people with a criminal past. Visit the website here
National Social Enterprise Forum & Expo 2019, Fri, 22 November 2019 between 10am – 3:30pm at Sligo Folk Park, Riverstown, County Sligo. This event is an opportunity to meet, network, exchange ideas and contribute to the discussion on the development and support of the Social Enterprise sector in Ireland. You can book here
National Social Enterprise Conference, Thursday 21 November 2019, at Croke Park, Dublin. This event is will take place on International Social Enterprise Day and will share information with a diverse range of stakeholders including social enterprise practitioners, networking organisations, funders, and public authorities at a central and local level. You can book here
Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland, May 14th 2019. Learn more and have a say through the Public Consultation process on Draft National Social Enterprise Policy. Read more here
Social Enterprise: Opportunities for Growth, Wed 28th November 2018. Arranged by the Economic Development Office, Dublin City Council at the Rediscovery Centre, Ballymun, Dublin 9. (9.30am – 12pm).
Social Enterprise: New Beginning For Ireland, Thursday, September 27th 2018. Irish Local Development Network, Seminar, Dublin 8.
Social Enterprise: Innovators in the Circular Economy, Wednesday, September 26th 2018 – CRNI and the Eastern Midlands Waste Region hosted an event highlighting the important role of social enterprise in driving the Circular Economy agenda. Recycle IT provided a speaker and activity participated
Social Enterprise Symposium Friday 2nd June 2017 starting at 11am. Una Lavelle from Recycle IT joined key-note speaker Dr. Jeffrey A. Robinson Ph. D. from Rutgers Business School in Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland.
About Recycle IT
Recycle IT is anaward-winning social enterprise providing recycling collection and drop off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal items.
During 2020 Recycle IT operated a curtailed drop off and collection services to homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of batteries, computers, cables, monitors, kettles. microwaves and screens. We are open again in 2021 working within the COVID 19 guidelines.
Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, Dormant Accounts Fund, Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.
For further details about our free and cost-effective services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at www.recycleit.ie
Recycle IT are Pakman Ireland Awards Winners – WEEE Recycling Champion 2019
The Coalition 2030 conference looks at how we can use the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to push for a Just Recovery from COVID 19.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or Global Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”. The SDGs were set up in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by the year 2030.
Coalition 2030 is the Irish civil society coalition for the sustainable development goals, made up of 4 pillars: unions, national equality and poverty organisation , international aid and development agencies, and environmental organisation. The coalition is made up of an alliance of 75 civil society organisations who work together to ensure Ireland keeps its promise to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), both at home and abroad.
Conference Banner
To learn more and register
4.00-4.10 PM: Conference Introduction
4.10-4.20: Opening Address – Eamon Ryan Td, Minister for The Environment, Climate & Communications (Video Statement)
Panel Discussion – The Sustainable Developments Goals and A Just Recovery from Covid-19 – The Global Perspective
Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director, Who Health Emergencies Programme, Asad Rehman Executive Director, War on Want and Paola Simonetti Deputy Director, International Trade Union Confederation
4.45-5.15 PM: Questions & Answers
5.15-6.25 PM: Part 2
The Sustainable Developments Goals and A Just Recovery from Covid-19 – The Irish Perspective
Conference participants will engage with civil society experts on the six principles detailed in the 2020 civil society Joint Statement: A Shared Vision for a Just Recovery. The statement and principles in full are available at this link.
Conference participants will engage with civil society experts on the six principles detailed in the 2020 civil society Joint Statement: A Shared Vision for a Just Recovery. The statement and principles in full are available at this link.
Civil society experts leading the breakout rooms include:
Dr Meredith Raley, Disability Federation Ireland
Mark Murphy, Climate and Health Alliance
Issy Petrie, Saint Vincent de Paul
Paul Ginnell, European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland
Oonagh Duggan, Birdwatch Ireland
Sadhbh O’Neill, Stop Climate Chaos
Michael Doorly, Concern Worldwide
Yvonne O’Callaghan, SIPTU
Dr Seán Healy, Social Justice Ireland
5.55-6.10 PM: Plenary Session on Just Recovery Principles
Speakers Will Be Invited to Provide Feedback From The Breakout Dialogues
The Coalition 2030 is made up of both international and domestic NGOs along with youth organisations, environmental groups, academics, and trade unions. Its member organisations work in a broad variety or areas – from humanitarian relief to labor rights and environmental sustainability – in Ireland and in over 50 countries around the world.
Shared by Recycle IT
Recycle IT, are an award-winning Dublin based, not for profit, social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal, the Dormant Accounts Fund, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.
For further details about our free and cost-effective services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at www.recycleit.ie
