Funded Pilot Project
The Department of Rural and Community Development, in conjunction with the Department of Transport developed a pilot initiative for the supply of high quality up-cycled bicycles and e-bikes for reuse.
This initiative was further developed to allow social enterprise organizations based in Ireland to apply for funding to support the operation of the scheme during 2021 and hopefully beyond.
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.
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 an award-winning social enterprise providing recycling collection and drop off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal items.
Recycle IT are happy to accept bikes that are beyond repair or reuse for safe and authorised metal recycling. Bikes of any shape or size can be dropped off free at our recycling centre. We can also offer a cost-effective collection service in Dublin.
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 