In April, Ballyhoura Development hosted a pilot Repair & Reuse Textile Café as part of its wider Circular Economy work through participation in the Interreg Europe iCEAR Project and its role as an SDG Ambassador.

The free public event focused on practical textile repair skills, clothing reuse and increasing awareness of simple circular economy actions that can be applied in everyday households.

The evening combined hands-on learning with practical sustainability actions, encouraging participants to extend the life of clothing and textiles while reducing waste and promoting more mindful consumption habits.

Practical Repair Skills and Clothing Reuse

The pilot event included a practical textile repair session where participants received guidance and demonstrations on basic textile repairs and alterations. Attendees were invited to bring along one textile item to repair, alter or learn practical skills that could later be applied at home.

Alongside the repair session, participants also took part in a clothes swap designed to encourage reuse and reduce textile waste by giving clothing a second life.

A key aspect of the initiative was the educational focus of the event. By combining practical repair skills with information on the Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the workshop aimed to increase awareness of the environmental impact of clothing consumption while helping participants build confidence in carrying out simple repairs independently.

Supporting Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Goals

The workshop supports several Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• Quality Education (SDG 4) through accessible, practical and hands-on learning opportunities
• Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) by promoting repair, reuse and textile waste reduction
• Climate Action (SDG 13) by helping extend the lifespan of garments and reducing demand for new textile production

The event also reflects the wider principles of the circular economy by encouraging resources and materials to remain in use for longer and reducing environmental impact through everyday actions.

Positive Community Engagement and Impact

The Repair & Reuse Textile Café pilot generated strong interest from both participants and trainers, with positive feedback and demand expressed for future events of a similar nature.

Looking Ahead

The learning from this pilot event will help inform the development of a practical “Manual” for future Repair & Reuse Café roll-out across the Ballyhoura area and contribute as an example of good practice within the wider iCEAR project.

iCEAR Project Website