Castleblayney is helping to open Monaghan's Climate Action Week with a pop-up shop that puts second-hand clothing in the spotlight. The event takes place at Iontas in Castleblayney on Monday 12 October from 6pm to 9pm, Northern Sound reported.
Rethink, repair, reuse
The pop-up is run by Monaghan County Council together with WCI Blayney Blades, and it is designed to encourage people to "rethink, repair, and reuse" by being more sustainable about fashion. Lorraine Cunningham of WCI Blayney Blades told Northern Sound the shop had gained "great momentum", and that the whole point is to get people re-using clothes.
She said many of the items are of good quality. For anyone who wants to adjust clothing to fit, Blayney Blades hopes to run sewing classes later in the year. Proceeds from the evening will go to Castleblayney Scouts and the local meals on wheels service.
More than 40 events across the county
The pop-up is part of Climate Action Week 2026, which runs from 12 to 18 October. The Anglo-Celt reported that the programme includes more than 40 events and activities: workshops, biodiversity projects, talks, repair and upcycling initiatives, story times and family events. This year's theme is "Act Local: Rethink, Repair, Reuse".
Many of the events are being run by community groups with support from Monaghan County Council's Climate Action Week Small Grants Scheme, and they will take place in towns, villages and neighbourhoods across the county.
The flagship conference
The centrepiece is the Circular Economy in Action Conference: Rethink, Repair, Reuse, at the Peace Campus in Monaghan Town on Saturday 17 October from 9.30am to 1pm. The council says it will bring together innovators, practitioners and community leaders who are using circular approaches to reduce waste, make products and materials last longer and support local livelihoods. Admission is free, but registration is essential. The conference is funded through the Decarbonising Zone Demonstrator Fund, supported by the Government of Ireland.
What they said
"Climate Action Week showcases the very best of community spirit and local leadership," said Cllr Aidan Campbell, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council. He encouraged people of all ages to look at the programme and support events in their area.
Chief Executive Robert Burns said the week is an important opportunity to engage communities in the objectives of the council's Climate Action Plan. "Achieving our climate goals requires collective action," he said, pointing to practical steps such as reducing waste, enhancing biodiversity, improving energy efficiency and embracing circular economy principles.
How to find an event
The full timetable is on the Monaghan County Council website, and the council says it will highlight events on its social media channels throughout the week. Community groups are also sharing details of their own events online.
