DLR and Rediscovery Centre Sign Agreement to Launch Local Circular Economy Hub

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Rediscovery Centre, marking an important step in its work to promote the circular economy. As part of this new partnership, the Council and the Rediscovery Centre will work together to set up a local hub in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area to encourage community action and support sustainable living.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:

“We look forward to working with the Rediscovery Centre to bring circular economy ideas to life here in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. By setting up a local hub, supporting our climate and community plans, and exploring the blue circular economy, we’re showing what’s possible when local action meets national ambition.”

Of the six themes outlined in the Council’s Climate Action Plan 2024–2029, one key focus is Circular Economy and Resource Management. A central action under this theme is to “Develop a vision for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown to become a circular County including the feasibility of setting up blue/circular economy hubs in the county.” This builds on the Council’s leadership in signing the European Circular Cities Declaration in 2022 — becoming the first local authority in Ireland to join this pan-European network of ambitious cities and regions committed to transitioning from a linear to a circular economy.

The Rediscovery Centre, based in Ballymun, Dublin 9, is Ireland’s National Centre for the Circular Economy and Europe’s first circular economy demonstration hub. It is internationally recognised for its work in education, research, policy development, and citizen engagement. Supported by strategic partners including the Government of Ireland, the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, Dublin City Council, Irish Environmental Network and Research Ireland, the Centre’s mission is to lead Ireland’s transition to a circular and sustainable future.

Claire Downey, Chief Executive, Rediscovery Centre highlighted:

"We are very excited to be launching this initiative with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and to support their ambition to become Ireland's first circular coastal community. Building on our 20 years’ experience at the national centre for circular economy in Ballymun, this hub project will allow us to showcase the great work already happening across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and to expand opportunities for people to reduce, reuse and repair and to develop new circular skills. We look forward to engaging with the local community and council to deliver this vision."  

This new partnership between DLR and the Rediscovery Centre will focus on:

• Establishing a Rediscovery Centre hub/satellite in the heart of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown to mobilise local action.
• Supporting the implementation of DLR’s Climate Action Plan 2024–2029, Local Economic and Community Plan 2023–2028, and the Circular Cities Declaration.
• Pioneering the blue circular economy through demonstration projects that inspire communities locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Providing evidence to support further investment in Rediscovery Centres across Ireland.
• Developing a shared vision for DLR to become Ireland’s first circular coastal community.

The signing of the MOU marks the beginning of a collaborative journey to embed circular economy principles into the fabric of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, creating a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future.