As part of the PoliRuralPlus Outreach Open Call initiative, MCA Consulting, in collaboration with Monaghan Integrated Development and Monaghan Local Enterprise Office, organized a strategic workshop aimed at identifying opportunities for developing Circular Economy (CE) businesses in County Monaghan. The workshop sought to explore viable circular business models for both private enterprises and social enterprises, aligning with national sustainability priorities.

The event brought together over 20 circular economy experts who actively participated in discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions. The workshop commenced with an insightful introduction by Gabriel O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer of Monaghan Integrated Development CLG. He provided an overview of the Irish Pilot initiative within PoliRuralPlus and highlighted the current status of the project, setting the context for the discussions.

Following this, Allen McAdam, a consultant from MCA Consulting, delivered a comprehensive orientation on the principles of the circular economy. His presentation covered key aspects, including Ireland’s National Circular Economy Strategy, priority sectors for circular economy development, and the policy framework supporting the transition towards sustainable business models.

To facilitate a structured analysis, workshop participants were divided into four sector-specific groups:

  • Agriculture and Food Production
  • Household and Domestic Consumer Sector
  • Industrial and Commercial Enterprises
  • Building and Construction

Each group engaged in two interactive exercises designed to map waste and by-product streams in County Monaghan and identify business opportunities that could generate economic activity from these secondary resources. These exercises provided valuable insights into the potential for circular business development within the region.

Key stakeholders such as Monaghan County Council, Monaghan Integrated Development CLG, Local Enterprise Office, Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT), Technological University of Dublin, Versatile Packaging, Greenfield Foods Corporate , Credit Tech Gateway, Wright Quarry Products, Carrickmacross Toy Library, Teach Na nDaoine (FRC), Sicín Co-operative Society Limited, B & N Renagnan, the BioConnect Project, and various social enterprises actively contributed to the discussions, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth.

The workshop was supported by Eilín Connolly, Senior Business Advisor at Monaghan Local Enterprise Office, and Jeyald Antony, Project Officer at Monaghan Integrated Development CLG, ensuring an engaging and productive environment for all participants.

The findings from these exercises, along with actionable recommendations, will be compiled and reported by Allen McAdam in the coming weeks. These insights will serve as a foundation for further development of circular economy initiatives in County Monaghan, reinforcing the region’s commitment to sustainability and economic resilience.

This workshop marks a significant step towards integrating circular economy principles into local enterprise development, paving the way for innovative and sustainable business models that contribute to Monaghan’s economic and environmental well-being.