Saturday 17 October 2026CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ACTIONCONFERENCE 2026RETHINK, REPAIR, REUSERETHINKREPAIRREUSE Monaghan Peace Campus 9.30am to 1pmFree Event
Monaghan Climate Action WeekCircular Economy in Action Conference — part of Monaghan Climate Action Week12th-18th OctoberAct Local Rethink , Repair, Reuse!
CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ACTION • CONFERENCE 2026 Our Speakers We are delighted to welcome an exceptional line-up of speakers who are leading change in sustainability, circular economy, community development and social innovation across Ireland. Through their experience and expertise, they will share practical examples, innovative approaches and inspiring stories that demonstrate how circular economy principles can create lasting environmental, social and economic benefits. 🌍 Eibhlin Fitzpatrick, Community Liaison Manager at Circular.ie, works with communities across Ireland to turn circular economy principles into practical action, helping people embrace more sustainable ways of living through repair, reuse, sharing and resourcefulness. 🌾Killian Cawley, CEO of Monaghan Integrated Development, will share insights from the PoliRuralPlus project, an innovative European initiative exploring how smart, community-led approaches can help rural areas become more resilient, sustainable and attractive places to live and work. Through his experience in local and rural development, Killian will highlight how collaboration, innovation and community engagement can help shape the future of rural communities 🧸Jill Kennon, CEO of the Carrickmacross Toy Library, has helped establish Ireland's first and largest toy library and is a driving force behind the national Toy Libraries Ireland movement. Her work demonstrates how simple community-based initiatives can reduce waste, save families money and encourage more sustainable consumption.
☕Kevin McGuire, owner of Genesis Coffee Shop, is a local example of the circular economy in action. Through creativity, craftsmanship and a commitment to reuse, Kevin transformed a long-derelict building in Monaghan Town into a thriving café using reclaimed and repurposed materials. His story demonstrates how circular thinking can breathe new life into buildings, reduce waste and create vibrant spaces that benefit local communities. Together, these speakers bring a wealth of experience, innovation and practical knowledge, offering inspiring examples of how circular economy principles can create lasting environmental, social and community benefits. CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ACTION • CONFERENCE 2026 Our Speakers 👗Sheila Clancy O'Donnell, CEO and founder of the Circular Dress Collaborative, combines decades of experience in fashion design, retail management and sustainability leadership. Through her award-winning social enterprise, she is helping to transform attitudes towards fashion by championing high-quality pre-loved clothing and circular fashion solutions. 💶Emma Murtagh, Director of Development and Member Services at The Wheel, brings extensive expertise in funding, organisational development and social enterprise. In her presentation, Emma will explore the funding supports and opportunities available to organisations interested in developing circular economy initiatives, helping community groups, charities and social enterprises access the resources needed to turn innovative ideas into sustainable impact.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ACTION • CONFERENCE 2026 🎙Meet Our MC Louise Cullen Louise Cullen, BBC News NI's Agriculture and Environment Correspondent, will host the Circular Economy Conference 2026. With over two decades of journalism experience covering sustainability, climate and environmental issues, Louise will guide attendees through a morning of discussion, innovation and inspiring examples of circular economy action. Rethink • Repair • Reuse A welcoming voice for a morning of shared action MC
CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ACTION • CONFERENCE 2026Part of Monaghan Climate Action Week 202610.00am Opening Session Official Opening Cllr Aidan Campbell, Cathaoirleach Monaghan County Council Welcome & Conference Introduction Monaghan's Commitment to the Circular Economy Robert Burns, Chief Executive MCC & Director of Services MCC Communities at the Heart of Climate Action: Why Circular Economy Matters in Monaghan Marc Coyle, Climate Action Coordinator Circular Economy in Action: Community Opportunities and Today's Journey Eilish Morgan, Community Climate Action Officer Putting Circular Economy Principles into Practice Bernie McMahon, Environmental Awareness Officer Keynote Address From Waste to Resource: Circular Economy Success Stories Eibhlín Fitzpatrick, Community Liaison Manager Circular.ie Networking & Refreshment Break CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ACTION • CONFERENCE 2026 On the Day Circular Economy in Action Conference 2026 : Rethink, Repair, Reuse What Goes Around Comes Around 9.30am – Registration, Networking & Exhibition Area Open
CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ACTION • CONFERENCE 2026Part of Monaghan Climate Action Week 202611.25am Session 2: Circular Economy in Action Supporting Communities to Deliver Circular Economy Projects Killian Cawley, CEO Monaghan Integrated Development (MID) Sharing Resources, Building Community Jill Kennon, CEO Carrickmacross Toy Library From Fashion Designer to Sustainable Fashion Changemaker Sheila Clancy O’Donnell, CEO Circular Dress Collaborative Circular Economy in Business Kevin McGuire, Owner Genesis Coffee Shop Supporting Sustainable Community Action Emma Murtagh, Director of Development and Member Services The Wheel CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ACTION • CONFERENCE 2026 On the Day
CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ACTION • CONFERENCE 2026Part of Monaghan Climate Action Week 202612.15pm Session 3: Turning Ideas into Action Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A From Ideas to Action: How Monaghan Can Build a Circular Economy Panellists Circular.ie Carrickmacross Toy Library Circular Dress Collaborative Genesis Coffee Shop The Wheel Global Action Plan Conference Reflections Closing Remarks Robert Burns, Chief Executive, Monaghan County Council 1.00pm – Conference Close Circular Economy Ideas Hub Open Throughout the Conference Monaghan Integrated Development (MID) MyWaste.ie Veronica Clerkin – Tasteful Transformations Carrickmacross Tidy Towns Bicycle Repair Initiative Hannah McElroy – Textile Painter Teach na Daoine The Wheel GAP CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ACTION • CONFERENCE 2026 On the Day Exhibitors
CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ACTION • CONFERENCE 2026 Explore the Circular Economy Ideas HubDiscover What's Possible The Ideas Hub showcases the people, projects and organisations transforming how we consume, reuse and share resources. Chat directly with innovators, community organisations and social enterprises that are putting circular economy principles into practice. Discover practical solutions and find new ways to reduce waste, extend product life and make more sustainable choices.Visitors will have the opportunity to: Learn about repair, reuse and sharing initiatives. Discover circular fashion and textile reuse projects.Connect with community groups delivering real environmental impact.Find inspiration for actions that can be implemented at home or within local communities.Meet Innovators. Share Ideas. Build Connections. Meet exhibitors and sustainability champions.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ACTION • CONFERENCE 2026Part of Monaghan Climate Action Week 2026Rethink, Repair, Reuse! The Circular Economy Conference forms part of Monaghan Climate Action Week 2026 (12th–18th October), a countywide programme celebrating climate action, sustainability and community leadership. Throughout the week, residents, schools, community groups, organisations and businesses will come together to share ideas, learn from one another and take practical action towards a more sustainable, resilient and climate-friendly future.Be sure to keep an eye out for the many other Climate Action Week events taking place in communities across County Monaghan, offering opportunities to learn new skills, discover local sustainability initiatives and get involved in climate action close to home. Act Local CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ACTION • CONFERENCE 2026 Part of Monaghan Climate Action Week 2026
CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ACTION • CONFERENCE 2026Part of Monaghan Climate Action Week 2026🌱The transition to a circular economy depends on collaboration, innovation and community action. Whether you are looking for inspiration, practical solutions, funding opportunities or new connections, this conference offers a unique opportunity to learn from leaders and changemakers who are helping to build a more sustainable future. ✅ Admission is free, but registration is essential. 👉 Register today and join us in building a more circular future. [REGISTRATION LINK] 💚 Funded through the Decarbonising Zone (DZ) Demonstrator Fund, supported by the Government of Ireland.CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ACTION • CONFERENCE 2026 Be Part of the Conversation
