About CycleUp Textiles

CycleUp textiles is a circular economy social enterprise turning waste textiles into tote bags and gifts as well as providing training and upskilling in upcycling

CycleUp textiles by Roscommon Women's Network, is a circular economy social enterprise that provides textile upcycling training that creates unique, upcycled items using pre-loved and unwanted textiles.

Our main objective is to empower individuals through upcycling education and skills development while addressing the issue of textile waste.

Through its work and its community development approach, CycleUp textiles supports the hardest to reach women and families to engage and participate.

We make products 100% from upcycled materials, lovingly designed and handmade here in Roscommon, Ireland. You can take a look here at our products.

CycleUp group photo of staff and volunteers showing bags and products upcycled from textiles

Some of the CycleUp textiles team – staff and volunteers (Photo by Aengus McMahon/The Ireland Funds.)

Our Story

2018 - The issue of textile waste was initially highlighted by volunteers at the Roscommon Women's Network (RWN) Charity Shop

What was the fate of all the unsold clothing? It was time to take action.

The potential was the avoidance of over 100,000 tonnes of carbon emissions if only 15% of discarded textiles were diverted from landfills.

The volunteers made a fact finding trip to The Rediscovery National Centre for the Circular Economy

2019 - the RWN Textile Upcycling Pilot Project was rolled out co-funded by the Local Agenda21 LAPN and Dept. Communications, Climate Action and Environment as well as clothing brand Patagonia with support from Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB), The Roscommon Environmental Network and the Rediscovery Centre.

2021 - with the success of the pilot project and evaluation by St. Angela’s College Sligo, RWN secured funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Green Enterprise initiative for the WECAN project.

This funded a project manager for a 12-month period to develop and grow the CycleUp Environmental and Training Social Enterprise, promote and market upcycled products to increase sales, expand the training reach throughout the region and beyond and spread the message of the circular economy through networking and outreach workshops.

2022 - RWN CycleUp moved to it’s own dedicated premises at the Riverside Centre in Athleague, Co. Roscommon and recruited 3 part-time Community Employment Trainee Sewing Assistants and 2 part-time Community Employment administration assistants.

2023 - CEIGS funding was received for part time roles of a Business development manager and a production team leader to allow CycleUp to become a more established business and brand.

2024 - CSP funding received for a CycleUp manager and 4 part time production assistants.

CycleUp Textiles won the RDS Spring Award for Rural Social Impact.

The EU Just Transition Fund granted CycleUp Textiles funding for a progression and skills co-ordinator, production team leader, full time administrator and a business development manager.

Upcycling textiles training

To bridge the gap in upcycling skills, we took action by supporting some of CycleUp Team in becoming qualified tutors. In May 2021, 6 participants successfully completed the Training Delivery and Evaluation QQI Level 6 program. These women, who come from diverse backgrounds and include lone parents and caregivers, are now engaged with the project as tutors for Upcycling Textiles Training Courses and Workshops. This initiative not only addresses the skills gap but also provides employment opportunities for these individuals.

Today we employ 3 part time staff and 5 Community Employment workers supported by a team of 14 volunteers and we have supported some of our trainees to progress into self-employment. To date 74 people have completed training and we have reused and upcycled over 8000kg of textiles resulting in a carbon saving of 65 tonnes.

Story of CycleUp textiles circular economy social enterprise in Roscommon Ireland

Upcycling training at CycleUp Textiles

Maria training volunteers to make upcycled gifts

Cycleup Textiles upcycling training course in Castlerea Co Roscommon

Cycleup Textiles training course in upcycling textiles to make beautiful gifts at our circular economy social enterprise.

CycleUp Textiles training in upcycling

Tutor Margaret helping to train participants in upcycling textiles into beautiful new gifts at our circular economy social enterprise in Co Roscommon, Ireland.

Upcycling training at CycleUp Textiles

Maria training volunteers to make upcycled gifts

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Meet The Team

Nora Fahy - RWN Manager

Nora Fahy has been with Roscommon Women’s Network since 2007. RWN along with 16 other local Women’s Community Development projects (CDP’s) around the country amalgamated under the national body NCCWN now Women’s Collective Ireland (WCI) in 2012 and since then Nora is employed directly by WCI which is funded by the Department of Justice & Equality. However, Nora’s has continued to work with the local RWN CLG Voluntary Board to identify needs and develop supports and services for women and families throughout the county. Working hand in hand with the local WCI Roscommon Advisory Committee and the RWN local Voluntary Board of Directors, Nora brings a business management background to the Community Development mandate of RWN and WCI Roscommon. She was the first paid member of staff when the project started in 2007 and was instrumental in the set-up, evolution and growth of RWN into the thriving grassroots women-centred social enterprise that it is today employing 4.5 RWN staff and 1.5 WCI Roscommon Staff.

CycleUp Textiles CSP Manager - Currently recruiting

View job advert here.

Martina CycleUp Skills and progression co-ordinator RWN

Martina Hourigan - CycleUp Textiles Progression and skills co-ordinator

Martina joined RWN CycleUp in 2019 as the training coordinator for the Upcycling Textiles Training Pilot Project. She organises upcycling textiles training sessions and workshops for organisations, community groups, and schools as well as recruits and progresses the development of CycleUp trainees. Since 2019, she has also been coordinating the collaborative efforts of the passionate CycleUp volunteers and social enterprise staff to craft outstanding upcycled textile goods for sale. Martina firmly believes in the importance of grass-roots driven initiatives spearheaded by women, with a robust environmental impact for the sustainability of rural Ireland's future.

This role is Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027 #EUinmyregion

Jennifer Payne - CycleUp Textiles Business Development Manager

Jennifer joined RWN in 2023 as the CycleUp Business Development Manager with a background in Business management and a postgrad in digital marketing. This role is funded by the CEIGS.

National finalist for the Network Ireland Business Woman of the year in the Networker of the Year and Rising Star awards.

Clare Murray - CycleUp textiles production

Alena Gurn - Production Team Leader

Emer Giblin sewing assistant with sewing machine

Emer Giblin - Sewing & Upcycling Assistant / Upcycling Textiles Tutor

Meet Emer, a talented sewing and upcycling assistant who joined CycleUp in 2023. With a deep passion for design, craft, and textiles, Emer brings a wealth of creativity and enthusiasm to the team. Since joining CycleUp, she has been honing her machine sewing skills, constantly striving for perfection in her craft.

As part of the dynamic and innovative creative team at CycleUp, Emer finds great joy in her work. She appreciates the collaborative environment, where ideas flow freely and artistic endeavours are celebrated. Her keen eye for colour combinations and her constant exploration of incorporating texture into design make her an invaluable asset to the team.

Emer’s commitment to personal and professional growth is evident through her recent completion of the QQI Level 6 Training Delivery and Evaluation Course in 2021. Supported by RWN CycleUp, she has embraced her role as a tutor, conducting Upcycling Textiles Training and Workshops across the region. With her solid background in textiles and design, Emer shares her expertise and passion with others, empowering them to explore their creativity and contribute to a more sustainable world.

Whether she’s creating beautiful upcycled pieces or inspiring others through teaching and workshops, Emer’s dedication to her craft shines through. With her infectious enthusiasm and extensive knowledge, she continues to make a positive impact within the CycleUp community and beyond.

CycleUp Textiles Production Assistant - Vacancy

Nicola Crosby - CycleUp textiles Administrator

Maria Hourigan sewing assistant with sewing machine

Maria Hourigan - Sewing & Upcycling Assistant / Upcycling Textiles Tutor

Meet Maria, a talented and self-taught seamstress with a passion for upcycling and sustainability. Inspired by her mother, Philomena Hourigan, who was one of the original RWN Upcycling Textiles Pilot participants, Maria has fully embraced the art of transforming discarded materials into beautiful and functional pieces.

With the guidance and support of Roscommon Women’s Network, Maria became a part of the original group of upcycling textiles volunteers and received training in the art of upcycling. Her natural creativity and enthusiasm led her to constantly explore new ideas for design and innovative methods, making her a valuable asset to the team.

Not only does Maria possess exceptional design skills, but she is also highly skilled in troubleshooting equipment issues. Her expertise and problem-solving abilities ensure that the upcycling process runs smoothly, allowing her to create stunning pieces without any hindrances.

In addition to her practical skills, Maria is committed to sharing her knowledge and expertise with others. In 2021, she completed the QQI Level 6 Training Delivery and Evaluation Course, further enhancing her ability to teach and inspire others. As one of the most experienced tutors in our organisation, Maria is in high demand, delivering engaging and informative Upcycling Textiles Training and Workshops throughout the region.

Maria’s dedication to upcycling and her ability to transform discarded materials into works of art make her an invaluable member of our team. Her love for exploring new design ideas and methods ensures that she remains at the forefront of upcycling innovation. Whether she’s creating unique pieces or teaching others the art of upcycling, Maria’s passion and expertise shine through in every endeavour.

Our Clients