COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, February 09, 2026

QUESTION NO. 15

QUESTION: Councillor H. Farrell

To ask the Chief Executive if it is known if Repair Cafes (i.e. furniture / textiles / small electricals / jewellery ) are something that SDCC is considering for 2026 in any section, in the context of the European Commission's Right to Repair Directive, which is due to be transposed into Irish law by July 2026.

REPLY:

SDCC’s Climate Change and Environmental Awareness section is committed to supporting events, such as Repair Cafes, which prevent the generation of waste by promoting sustainable consumption and increasing repair and reuse of goods. SDCC has identified Repair Cafes as a key component in the transition to a Circular Economy to enable a reduced requirement on natural resources, support Sustainable Development Goals and work towards achieving climate targets.

In collaboration with Clondalkin Tidy Towns, and The Rediscovery Centre, SDCC facilitated a successful textile, furniture and bicycle Repair Cafe in 2023, where expert volunteers skilfully assisted in the repair, restoration, redesign and upcycling of household items. The free volunteer-led Repair Cafe event, enabled a community-driven knowledge sharing approach to reducing waste and fostering sustainability.

Building on the success of last years Bicycle Repair Cafe, SDCC will run bicycle Repair Cafes during Dublin Climate Action Week and Bike Week in May 2026. The Climate Change and Environmental Awareness Section is currently engaging with the 14 Tidy Towns groups in the county and exploring the possibility of the groups running Repair Cafes through 2026 grant funding provided by SDCC. In addition, SDCC is engaging with TOG hackerspace regarding electronics Repair Cafes for items such as kettles, toasters, coffee machines, electric bikes and toys. TOG hackerspace is a shared space where members can have a place to be creative and work on their projects in an environment that is both inspiring and supportive of both new and old technologies.

Every item restored at the Repair Cafes reduces the energy needed to make new products, encourages a behavioural change by optimising circularity and enables compliance with legislative requirements such as the National Waste Management Plan For A Circular Economy 2024-2030.