Clare County Council launches bike appeal to support those in need of transport

Clare County Council’s Waste Enforcement Team, in conjunction with Clare Sports Partnership and the Council’s Integration Team, has launched a bike appeal. They are calling on members of the public to donate unwanted children’s and adult’s bicycles. 

The appeal runs until Saturday, November 8, with drop-off available at the Central Waste Management Facility in Inagh (V95 XT96). This facility is open from Tuesday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. It is also open on Saturdays from 8:30am to 1pm. 

Donated bikes must be in roadworthy condition or require only minor repairs. Once collected, the bikes will be refurbished and allocated on a needs-based analysis to people in Clare who are most in need of transport.

This project is funded under the Anti-Dumping Initiative 2025 by the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment. It shows how Clare County Council can support the National Waste Management Plan for a circular economy and reduce waste in the community.

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Clare Sports Partnership will also provide cycle training and support to recipients. This will help ensure safe and confident bike use in the county.

Maria Carey, Executive Engineer, Clare County Council’s Waste Enforcement Team, explained, “This is a great example of how we can support a circular economy here in Clare. Rather than disposing of unwanted bikes we are giving them a second life while at the same time helping people who need transport support”

Pat Sexton, Clare Sports Partnership, said, “We are delighted to support this initiative by offering bike training to recipients of donated bikes. Whether it is children cycling to school or adults using bikes to get around, it is all about becoming more confident as a cyclist and at the same time getting active and staying healthy.”

Brendan Boyce, Clare County Council’s Integration Team, said, “Access to a bike can make a huge difference for families and individuals and particularly those most in need. Through this bike appeal we are ensuring that bikes are allocated fairly on a needs basis, making it easier for people to travel, integrate and connect with their communities.

“This is a great project that shows how, through partnership, we as SDG Ambassadors directly support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs supported through this bike appeal include Good Health and Well-being, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production and Partnerships for the Goals," Mr Boyce concluded. 

For further queries on this initiative, you can email Clare County Council’s Environment Section on enviroff@clarecoco.ie or contact them by telephone on 065 68 46 331.