At last year’s Irish Sports Industry Awards, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for Small Businesses and Retail and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with special responsibility for Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD spoke to us about the growing importance of the circular economy in sport and the critical role sport plays within communities and the wider economy.
Sport is far more than what happens on the field of play. It supports livelihoods, drives local economies, strengthens communities, and acts as a catalyst for small businesses and organisations across Ireland. As the sports industry continues to evolve, sustainability and circular economy principles are becoming increasingly important in ensuring long term positive impact for future generations.
This year, the Irish Sports Industry Awards were delighted to introduce the Sustainability Award, recognising organisations and initiatives that are leading the way in environmental responsibility, innovation, and sustainable participation across sport and physical activity.
The Best Initiative to Promote Sustainability in Sport & Physical Activity Award, sponsored by MyWaste, celebrates projects that are creating meaningful environmental and social impact throughout Ireland.
Finalists for the Sustainability Award
GAA Green Club Programme
The Gaelic Athletic Association Green Club Programme has become one of the leading sustainability initiatives in Irish sport, supporting more than 350 clubs nationwide since 2020. Active across all 32 counties, the programme helps clubs take practical climate and environmental action through a toolkit covering energy, waste, biodiversity, water, and transport.
Delivered in partnership with Climate Action Regional Offices and sustainability organisations, clubs have introduced projects including biodiversity walkways, solar panels, refill stations, gear swap shops, and innovative water and energy solutions. The programme has also contributed to Ireland’s Sustainable Sports Programme and international Erasmus+ projects, demonstrating how grassroots sport can create measurable environmental and social impact.
Munster Rugby – A Different Approach to Impact
Munster Rugby has embedded sustainability across every aspect of the organisation, becoming the first rugby organisation globally to publish a full carbon footprint across Scopes 1 to 3.
Initiatives including reusable cup trials, EV fleet transitions, water refill schemes, and a solar powered Centre of Excellence highlight the organisation’s commitment to meaningful operational change. Through campaigns such as Munster March and collaboration with the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, Munster Rugby continues to influence sustainability conversations both nationally and internationally.
Golf Ireland – Drive the Green
Golf Ireland Drive the Green strategy is supporting golf clubs nationwide to embed climate action, biodiversity, and resource conservation into everyday operations.
With 376 affiliated clubs managing approximately 20,000 hectares of land, the initiative focuses on collective impact through practical guidance, expert support, and behavioural change. Clubs have already reported significant reductions in energy use, waste to landfill, and water consumption alongside major biodiversity improvements. Through partnerships with organisations including the GEO Foundation and the EPA, Drive the Green is creating a scalable sustainability model for Irish sport.
Clare Local Development Company – LEADER, SICAP and Rural Recreation
Clare Local Development Company is driving innovative and sustainable approaches to outdoor recreation through pioneering trail development projects and community led initiatives.
One standout project transformed repurposed wind turbine blades into Ireland’s first trail bridge and outdoor furniture, showcasing circular economy innovation in action. The organisation also developed Waywyser, the world’s first dedicated digital trail management platform, while introducing digital donation posts that allow trail users to contribute directly to trail maintenance through contactless technology.
Through collaboration, innovation, and environmental stewardship, the initiative demonstrates how sustainable recreation infrastructure can support tourism, participation, and long term community development.