Old Kildare Christian Brothers school to be transformed into circular economy centre

Kildare County Council has received funding to revitalize the former Athy Christian Brothers School on Saint John's Lane, Athy, Co Kildare into a state-of-the-art Centre for Circular Economy and Regenerative Business Activity.

The local authority has been awarded €998,802 under the Department of Rural and Community Development's Community Recognition Fund.

This exciting development aims to foster sustainable business practices, enhance local economic resilience, and create new opportunities for employment and training within the community.

The project will transform the historic site into a hub for regenerative business activities by providing support and skills development for businesses committed to sustainability and circular economy principles.

Key objectives:

• Support local businesses in transitioning to a circular economy

• Create sustainable employment and reduce reliance on external investment for job creation

• Mitigate climate impacts through responsible business practices

• Reduce business costs and help foster economic growth

• Revitalize a vacant building, reducing dereliction and contributing to the local community’s regeneration

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The centre will also play a key role in providing skills-based training in areas such as recycling, repair, and waste reduction, while generating income through the sale of recycled goods.

The venue will offer affordable rental space to local businesses, including Social Enterprise initiatives that aim to tackle social and economic inequalities.

The facility will cater to a wide range of local enterprises, including projects like Blueway bike maintenance and repair, alongside creating opportunities for shared training spaces and research into new sustainable technologies.

Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council, said of the development: “Kildare County Council is committed to leading the way in sustainable economic development and ensuring that the new Centre for Circular Economy and Regenerative Business Activity will be an essential resource for future-proofing local businesses.

“This funding is a significant milestone for our community. It will enable us to transform the historic Athy Christian Brothers School into a vibrant Centre for Circular Economy and Regenerative Business Activity.

“This initiative will not only support local businesses in adopting sustainable practices but also create new opportunities for employment and training, fostering economic resilience and social well-being in our county.”

Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise, Economic Development & Tourism, Kildare County Council, added: “Small-to-medium enterprises and local community organisations are the lifeblood of our county, creating jobs, diversifying the economy, and fostering innovation. This funding will not only help us respond to Ireland’s shift to a low-carbon economy but will also deliver significant economic and social benefits at the local level.”

The centre will operate as a social enterprise, creating local employment opportunities and supporting the management and operation of the facility, as well as the delivery of training programs tailored to meet the needs of the community.