The Ballycanew Ballyoughter Community Development Association is proud to announce it has been awarded a pioneering plastics grant, making it the first community group in Ireland to host a dedicated Plastics Lab focused on innovation, education, and sustainability.
This groundbreaking grant marks a new approach to tackling plastic waste, moving beyond traditional recycling efforts to foster education, skills development, and community-led solutions. The Plastics Lab will serve as a hub for local schools, colleges, and residents to learn about plastics science, recycling technologies, and creative reuse methods.
Key benefits include:
- Hands-on educational workshops and STEM learning opportunities for students and youth.
- Training and skill-building in sustainable plastics management for all ages.
- Collaborative projects with third-level institutions to advance plastic innovation.
- Community engagement initiatives to reduce plastic waste and create local green jobs.
The lab will also work closely with local Tidy Towns groups, providing resources and expertise to enhance community clean-up campaigns and raise awareness of plastic pollution.
“This grant represents an exciting opportunity for Ballycanew Ballyoughter to lead the way in Ireland’s environmental innovation,” said Jason Medd, Chairperson of the Ballycanew Ballyoughter Community Development Association. “We are committed to empowering our community through education and action to create a cleaner, greener future.”
The Plastics Lab is expected to open its doors later this year and will be a vital resource for the region, combining sustainability with community spirit.
