Cork festivals invited to join county council's reusable cup scheme trial

Cork County Council are inviting festival and event planners across the county to take part in their circular economy fund.

The local authority is seeking pilot partners to trial a reusable cup scheme aimed at reducing single-use plastics at community events.

A representative for Cork County Council’s environmental department has said: “If your event currently uses a significant amount of disposable cups, this is a great opportunity to be part of a sustainability initiative that could shape the future of waste reduction in Cork.”

Community groups or local committees hosting events, festivals, or gatherings with high single-use plastic usage are invited to take part in the remaining months of 2025 or in 2026.

Pilot

This pilot scheme comes following significant efforts by Cork County Council to reduce waste and move towards sustainable and circular living in the county.

Cork County Council began their efforts having awarded over €52,000 in funding to 23 community groups as part of its circular economy fund.

The fund supports local communities to take actions that reuse, recycle, and minimise waste — with a particular focus on reducing single-use plastics.

The 2025 fund invited applications from schools, Tidy Towns groups, sports clubs, and festival organisers, encouraging innovative proposals on how to reduce plastic waste.

Encouraging

The Mayor of County Cork, councillor Mary Linehan Foley, said: “It is very encouraging to see so many communities across the county taking meaningful steps to address single-use plastics and embrace circular economy principles.

“These communities are spearheading change, and each action, whether big or small, has the potential to make a lasting impact.”

Sentiments echoed by  Cork County Council chief executive, Moira Murrell 

"We are proud to work closely with local groups who continue to demonstrate vision, determination, and leadership in environmental stewardship. Their efforts are vital to making Cork a more sustainable place to live, work, and visit,” she said Moira Murrell.

To apply for the pilot scheme, email eao@corkcoco.ie with details about your event and the reason you want to participate by Wednesday.