Communities across Carlow Town and County are already making a real difference to our environment – from repair cafés and clothing swaps to community gardens and local recycling initiatives. Now, Carlow County Council wants to hear about this brilliant work and help it flourish.
Carlow County Council are conducting a county-wide survey to understand how local groups are already embracing the circular economy – essentially, finding new ways to reuse, repair, and share resources rather than throwing them away. The results will directly influence future policies and determine what support the Council can provide to help these vital community efforts grow.
According to Jannette O’Brien, Climate Action Coordinator with Carlow County Council, “We know that some of the most innovative and effective environmental work is happening at grassroots level. From groups organising repair events to communities setting up local food-sharing networks, people in Carlow are finding creative solutions to reduce waste and build a more sustainable future Carlow County Council is committed to showcasing and supporting this work."
The circular economy isn't simply good for the planet – it brings communities together, saves money, and creates local opportunities. When we repair instead of replacing, share instead of buy new, and find creative uses for unwanted items, we're building stronger, more resilient communities.
In order to strengthen the local community circular economy, Carlow County Council has issued a survey. The survey aims to capture the full picture of what's already happening across the County. Whether your group runs a monthly repair workshop, organises clothes swapping events, has set up a community composting scheme, or manages a local buying group for sustainable products – the Council wants to hear about your experiences and your recommendations. As a thank you, all submissions will be entered into a draw to win €100 for their community or voluntary group.
"We're impressed by the creativity, innovations and dedication we see in communities throughout Carlow," says Councillor John Pender, Chair of the Transportation, Environment & Emergency Services and Capital Projects Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) "This survey is our chance to properly recognise this work and understand how we can better support these initiatives."
The survey responses will directly inform:
- What training and resources community groups may need
- How funding and grants might be allocated
- How citizens can be better informed about the circular economy
- How policies can practice should evolve
- How Carlow County Council can collaborate with organisations and agencies to remove barriers that currently limit community action
Most importantly, it will help identify what communities actually need – rather than what others think they might need.
The simple survey questionnaire have been designed to be straightforward and shouldn't take long to complete. It asks practical questions about what your group currently does, what challenges your faces, and what support would make the biggest difference.
Even if your environmental activities are small-scale or just getting started, your input is valuable. Carlow County Council wants to hear from everyone – from established environmental groups to community associations that have started a simple recycling initiative.
Ireland has set ambitious targets for moving towards a circular economy, and Carlow can lead the way by building on the excellent work already happening in communities across the county. But this can only succeed with active community participation.
"The transition to a circular economy isn't something that happens to communities – it's something that communities make happen," notes Ms O’Brien. "This survey is the first step in making sure we're supporting community-led solutions rather than imposing top-down approaches."
By taking a few minutes to complete the survey, community and voluntary groups can directly influence how Carlow approaches environmental challenges over the coming years. It's a chance to ensure that future policies reflect the reality of what communities are already achieving and what they need to do even more.
How to Participate
The survey is available online at https://forms.gle/fUfSsYJtZnbRmzDs6, and paper copies can be requested by calling 059- 9136232. The deadline for responses is Monday, 15th September.
For more information about the survey or to discuss your group's circular economy activities, contact Climate@Carlowcoco.ie
This Community Circular Economy project is supported by the Southern Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities and this survey forms part of Carlow County Council's commitment to supporting community-led environmental action and developing local solutions to global challenges. The results will contribute to the Council's environmental strategy and help secure additional resources for community sustainability projects.