CycleUp Textiles EU Just Transition Fund Project

Roscommon Women's Network CycleUp Textiles Skills and Product Innovation Project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021–2027.

Project Overview

RWN's CycleUp Textiles Skills and Product Innovation Project is an EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) supported initiative delivered by Roscommon Women’s Network, through its CycleUp Textiles social enterprise.

The project supports a fair and inclusive transition to a low-carbon economy in the Midlands region by investing in skills development, sustainable enterprise, and circular economy innovation within the textiles sector.

Project Aims

The key aims of the RWNs CycleUp Textiles Skills and Product Innovation Project are to:

Support the transition to climate neutrality through circular economy practices
Provide accredited training and skills development opportunities in sustainable textiles
Increase employment and progression pathways, particularly for women and those distant from the labour market
Divert high-quality textile materials from landfill through reuse and upcycling
Strengthen local enterprise capacity and innovation in Roscommon and the wider EU JTF region

Project Activities

Through this project, CycleUp Textiles delivers:

Practical, hands-on training in textile reuse, upcycling, and product development
Skills development programmes aligned with sustainable manufacturing and design
Product innovation using reclaimed and surplus textiles
Community-based enterprise activity that supports local economic diversification
Employment supports and progression routes within the circular economy

Project Outcomes and Results

The project contributes to the EU Just Transition Fund’s Priority 1 objective of generating employment and diversifying the local economy, with outcomes including:

Increased participation in skills training and education
Enhanced employability and work readiness among participants
Measurable reductions in textile waste sent to landfill
New and improved sustainable product lines developed through CycleUp Textiles
Strengthened local capacity for circular economy enterprise in the Midlands region

About the EU Just Transition Fund

The EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021–2027 supports communities most affected by the transition to climate neutrality, ensuring that no one is left behind.

In Ireland, the Programme focuses on the Midlands region, including County Roscommon, and is led by the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) as Managing Authority, with Pobal acting as an Intermediate Body.

Learn More

EU Just Transition Fund Programme (EMRA):
https://www.emra.ie/eu-jtf/
EU Funds Ireland:
https://www.eufunds.ie/

Upcycling Training
October 2024

Well done and congratulations to those who recently completed our first evening Upcycling Textiles Sewing Course in the Riverside Centre in Athleague, Co. Roscommon.

This enthusiastic group learned how to make upcycled bags, cushions, and hats and now have a greater awareness of the issue of textile waste and how the circular economy can make a difference. Looking forward to running more EVENING Courses and Workshops in the New Year!

RWN CycleUp Textiles Skills and Product Innovation Project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027 #EUinmyRegion