SCALE: Empowering Sustainability Together

EDIC and REVAMP have partnered with Longford Local Authority on a groundbreaking initiative that will see the development of a Circular Economy Centre of Excellence Mall based on an identified site in Longford town. Envisioned as a multi-million investment comprising a 25,000-30,000 sq ft facility, the Centre will operate as a multi-faceted, closed loop operation incorporating the following:
• Education and Training Centre - delivering dedicated training programmes supporting job creation and employment in the circular economy sector. Promoting community awareness and providing information in relation to waste management best practice
• Repair and Upcycling Workshop Hub – public drop off point with goods being processed through a workshop for upcycling prior to being offered for resale. Upcycling work will also be carried out for members of the public.
• Pioneering Circular Economy Retail Mall—the facility will feature a first-in-class retail shopping mall comprising a number of different shops offering a wide range of recycled products. Inspired by successful European models, the “Mall” will create circular economy activity in Longford and also regionally, thus nurturing and encouraging small businesses/social enterprises and the creation of retail job opportunities
• Incubation and Research Unit—working in partnership with other agencies and industry operators to determine ongoing needs/gaps and creating services/products to meet them.

In essence, the Centre aspires to be a green role model, public educator, retail space, incubation hub, and a significant source of employment. Together we are not just adapting to change, but we are leading change in the Midland Region.

Problem addressed

As leaders in the circular economy regionally, the Centre of Excellence aims to provide new employment opportunities, training, and environmentally sustainable living opportunities aimed at targetted groups, thus impacting our value-driven solution—economic, environmental, and social issues. Waste is not an end point but a valuable resource waiting to be transformed. Breathing new life into unwanted furniture, textiles, paint, and food waste, and further developing a sustainable business to support the community. The development of this sustainable, green-compliant building and relocating from an industrial estate to a vibrant retail area, will integrate our business into Longford’s growing circular and local economy, enhancing Longford as a greater tourist attraction and driving Longford as it aims to become a green and circular county—the first of its kind in Ireland.

At the same time, it will offer a holistic approach to our staff by providing opportunities and supporting marginalised groups and guiding the transition toward inclusive, low-carbon, and resilient communities.

Longford's population has seen the highest growth nationally of 14%, with a high rate of diverse and traveller communities. The disposable income for the county remains among the lowest in the country. This proposed project will give greater support and create a future for all.

All marginalised and disadvantaged groups, but not limited to, including

o Long-Term Unemployed
o People with disabilities
o Minorities (Travellers/Ukrainian Community/New Communities)
• Entrepreneurs / Small Businesses / Social Enterprises
• Young People/Students

Addressing waste, overconsumption, and high carbon emissions is our key objective. By promoting reuse, repurposing, and sustainable practices, we help to build a low-carbon, circular economy in Longford and beyond.

Innovative solution

Longford Centre of Excellence "Mall" is an innovative solution designed to address the challenges of sustainability and waste through a circular economy lens while supporting those most marginalised. This pioneering initiative will transform Longford into a hub for practical training, job creation, and green innovation, offering hands-on programmes in upcycling, repair, and reuse. This facility will showcase Longford as tourism destination, facilitating workshops and food events and highlighting the development of skills for emerging circular economy roles. An R&D hub to pilot new circular activities and technologies, where waste is seen as a resource, supporting local enterprise and community resilience. Collaboration is at its core—bringing together all our stakeholders—businesses, academia, and policymakers—to co-develop sustainable solutions and scale impact. The Longford Centre of Excellence not only addresses environmental challenges but also revitalises the local economy, making it a model for circular transition in Ireland’s Midlands and beyond.

Objectives
Environmental
• To reduce landfill waste
• Reduction in CO₂

Economic:
• Job creation for marginalised/disadvantaged groups
• Provision of quality upcycled products
• Generate income for reinvestment and sustainability
• Nurturing/development of social enterprises and small businesses in the green economy and circular economy.

Attract greater footfall to our main town by creating a tourism destination in Longford.
Societal
• Change negative habits as regards waste disposal
• Development of education/skills and awareness programmes

Job Creation
Jobs will be created in three categories:
• Employment within the Centre of Excellence facility (e.g., trainers, workshop operatives, retail staff).
• Local businesses requiring employees with circular economy skill sets.
• Local entrepreneurs wanting to develop skills to set up their own businesses.

EDIC and REVAMP have almost 30 years of experience, and Longford has faced many significant challenges. including high levels of unemployment—particularly among young people—and a uniquely diverse population along with a high population and unemployment among the traveler community. According to recent CSO figures, Longford recorded the highest population increase in Ireland at 14.3%, highlighting both the county’s growing potential and its urgent need for inclusive economic opportunities. This demographic shift presents an opportunity to harness the energy, skills, and creativity of a dynamic population. The development of a Circular Economy Centre of Excellence “Mall” aims to address unemployment through practical training, green job creation, and inclusive community engagement—ensuring that all residents, regardless of background, can participate in Longford’s sustainable future.

REVAMP is our social enterprise leading the circular economy in the Midlands Region, upcycling, repurposing unwanted furniture, paint, textiles, and, most recently, food waste, impacting the reduction of climate emissions by approximately 61.5 tons of CO2. This enterprise continues to provide job opportunities to margainalised communities and provide supports to the community through the transition to a net-zero carbon economy.

The current building space, which is fully utilised - retail space of approximately 5000 sq ft, workshop area of 3500 sq ft and training and education space of 10,000 sq ft,

The Longford Centre of Excellence is inspired by the ReTuna Återbruksgalleria in Sweden—the world’s first recycling mall. Located in Eskilstuna, ReTuna combines retail, repair workshops, and educational spaces to promote circular economy practices. Operated by the local municipality, it showcases how a public-private partnership can turn waste into economic and social value. The Mall sells only repurposed, upcycled, or sustainably produced goods and includes a training centre for green skills. This successful model demonstrated the potential for combining sustainability with job creation and inspired the vision for a similar circular economy hub in Longford tailored to local needs. The project was also inspired and encouraged by our colleagues at the Rediscovery Centre, Ballymun, a national centre for circular economy innovation.

Key results and benefits

EDIC has a core mission of training and educating for those furthest removed from the labour market , enabling them progress through our social enterprise initiatives to mainstream employment or education in the region. This project has equity at its core in that it is actively targeting the most vulnerable and marginalised groups in the region, long term unemployed, people with disabilities and marginalised communities such as Travellers and New Communities, such as Ukrainians.

The project will continue to source raw materials for production from community/business waste streams that currently would be destined for landfill.

Job creation and skills development:
• New employment opportunities in repair, reuse, remanufacturing, and sustainable product design, along with business elements—retail, catering, administration, and additional services
• Practical training programmes upskilling individuals in confidence building and green economy careers.

Innovation and business growth
• Acts as a testbed for circular economy pilots and start-ups.

Environmental impact
• Reduction in landfill waste and carbon emissions through reuse and repurposing.
• Promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Economic resilience
• Keeps materials and products in use longer, increasing local value chains.
• Encourages local enterprise and community-led solutions.
• Shopping experience for retail enthusiasts
• Offers eco-friendly, ethically sourced, and locally made products
• Branding Longford as a sustainable county highlights its leadership in green innovation, circular economy, and community-driven environmental action.
• Creating a tourism destination: enhancing offering of workshops and food events

Collaboration and sharing
• Connects academia, industry, and government to co-develop scalable circular solutions.
• Enhances regional leadership in climate action and innovation.
Social Inclusion
• Continuing our ethos, engage diverse, marginalised, and unrepresented community groups, offering inclusive access to green jobs and education, and ensure no one is left behind in the transition.

Potential for mainstreaming

Yes, EDIC and REVAMP Longford Centre of Excellence have strong potential for mainstreaming. It is presently a beacon of success for sustainable development and a regional leader in the circular economy, inspiring other groups to adopt and replicate its innovative model. Combining practical training, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration, it can be replicated across regions. By demonstrating real-world circular economy benefits such as job creation, waste reduction, and enterprise support, it sets a scalable model for sustainable development. The Centre’s alignment with national climate and circular economy strategies strengthens its potential to influence policy and funding priorities. With growing demand for green skills and low-carbon solutions, the Centre can inspire similar hubs nationwide and continue to deliver circular practices.