Applications open for Cork recycled paint initiative

Applications are open for a scheme that over the past year has seen 2,000 litres of high-quality recycled paint used by local communities to brighten up buildings across Cork city and county.

The Relove Paint Community Grant Scheme, which has been running for the past three years, is open to community groups, sports clubs, and schools. They can apply for up to 15 litres of paint, most of which is internal water-based paint, but some external paint may also be available.

The scheme, which supports a circular economy through the recycling of unwanted paint, has seen widespread participation over recent years.

It is a collaboration between Cork City Council, Cork County Council and three local social enterprises: Northside Community Enterprises, IRD Duhallow Revamp, and Cycle Sense of Skibbereen.

The social enterprises collect unwanted paint from city and county council recycling centres, then remix and recolour it before redistributing a high quality but low-cost paint back into the community.

Last year, almost 100 groups, including Tidy Towns, community associations, sports clubs, and schools from across Cork, received more than 2,000 litres of high-quality, upcycled paint.

To date, more than 30 tonnes of paint has been diverted from incineration and redirected to reuse, benefitting communities nationally.

The public is encouraged to bring unwanted or leftover paint to their nearest recycling centre so it can be reused by the Relove Paint project.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, said it was great to see community groups avail of the scheme.

“The Relove Paint Community Paint Grant Scheme is an opportunity to enhance circular economy initiatives within the city while allowing a cost-effective, high-quality paint product to be accessed by local communities,” said Mr Boyle.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Carroll, said the scheme not only promoted environmental sustainability but also built confidence in the use of upcycled paint.

“The feedback from last year’s recipients was overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting the high quality and coverage of the paint which helped improve community buildings, sports clubs, and schools,” Mr Carroll said.

The deadline for applications for the scheme is Friday, April 4. For more information visit relovepaint.ie.