CRNI Southern Regional Hub Hosted at NCE

Northside Community Enterprises was delighted to host the CRNI Southern Regional Hub on Wednesday, 30 September, welcoming organisations involved in reuse, repair and the circular economy from across the Southern Region to our Farranferris campus.

The Hub provided an opportunity for organisations working within the sector to come together, share experiences and explore ways to strengthen collaboration and increase awareness of the valuable reuse and repair activity already taking place within communities. A key focus throughout the day was public awareness and how the collective impact of organisations across the region can be better communicated. Discussions included the development of a regional map and rolling calendar of reuse activity, helping to create a clearer picture of the organisations, initiatives and events taking place across the Southern Region. The group also explored ways to strengthen engagement with Local Authorities and other key stakeholders, including the development of a shared information resource highlighting who these organisations are, the work they carry out, the value they provide to communities and the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

‍Showcasing Relove Paint

‍As part of the day, NCE had the opportunity to introduce attendees to the wide range of services, training opportunities and social enterprises operating across the organisation. Particular focus was placed on Relove Paint, NCE's community-based circular economy initiative which collects usable leftover paint and gives it a new life through sorting and remixing. Relove Paint demonstrates how reuse can deliver benefits beyond waste reduction. Alongside keeping usable paint in circulation, the initiative supports community groups, schools and local organisations while also providing meaningful employment, training and skills development opportunities.

In 2026 alone, more than 90 community projects have been supported through Relove Paint, with recovered paint supplied through three civic amenity sites at Kinsale Road, Raffeen and Rossmore.
Hosting the Southern Regional Hub was a valuable opportunity for NCE and Relove Paint to contribute to the wider conversation around reuse and the circular economy, learn from organisations working across the region and explore opportunities for greater awareness and collaboration.

A sincere thank you to CRNI for organising the Hub, and to everyone who joined us at NCE and contributed to the discussions throughout the day.