Cork’s reloved paint scheme takes off with flying colours

By Daniel O’Neill

A high quantity of paint was upcycled and reused across Cork as part of the Relove Paint Community Paint Grant Scheme.

More than 2,000 litres of unwanted paint were saved from incineration and given a new purpose. Under the scheme, the public is encouraged to bring unwanted or leftover paint to their nearest recycling centre so it can be reused by the Relove Paint project.

Last year over 96 groups like Tidy Towns, sports clubs and schools across Cork were given the 2,000 litres of recycled paint to use in whatever way they wanted. The scheme has benefited community groups as much as it has saved unwanted paint from being wasted.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle said: “The Relove Paint Community Paint Grant Scheme is an opportunity to enhance circular economy initiatives within the city while allowing a cost-effective, high-quality paint product to be accessed by local communities.”

Cllr Joe Carroll, Mayor of the County of Cork, added: “The Relove Paint Community Paint Grant Scheme not only promotes environmental sustainability but also builds confidence in the use of upcycled paint. The feedback from last year’s recipients was overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting the high quality and coverage of the paint which helped improve community buildings, sports clubs, and schools.”

The latest Relove Paint Community Paint Grant Scheme is now open for applications and is open to groups, sports clubs and schools who can apply for up to 15 litres of paint. Most of the paint is internal water-based paint, but some external paint may also be available. The deadline for applications is 4 April. For more information on Relove Paint visit relovepaint.ie.

To apply for the Community Paint Grant Scheme visit surveymonkey.com/r/PaintGrant2025.