Second coat!

AN INNOVATIVE paint project being rolled out in Ballymun is helping local residents and community groups to brighten up the area on a shoestring.

The unique Rediscover Paint project repurposes leftover paint and mixes it into top quality colours that are then sold at substantially reduced prices.

The programme is the only one of its kind in Ireland and it’s currently being expanded with open days and promotional events taking place around the city over the coming weeks.

The initiative is one of several eco-programmes run by The Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun that also recycles furniture and clothing for fashion.

The paint project is now being expanded as part of Get Involved; a sustainable communities initiative that promotes a low-carbon, resource-efficient and economic resilient society.

And as an environmentally friendly, cost-efficient programme that benefits the local community, Rediscover Paint ticks all the eco-boxes.

“We collect paint from recycling centres around the city and process it in Ballymun,

? explained Roger Warburton, Operations Manager at The Rediscovery Centre.

“Local residents or business can then sign up for a membership that costs from

?¬30 a year for up to 30 litres of paint, rising to

?¬150 a year for up to 300 litres.

?

The paint can be bought by anybody who needs it and members include local residents, businesses and community groups but Rediscover Paint also provides free paint to schools and local projects.

“It’s really helping people to brighten up local spaces at a very low cost while at the same time it’s something very beneficial for the environment,

? said Warburton.

As well as providing paint, Rediscover Paint is also collecting it so locals with leftover paint can save themselves a trip to the recycling centre by dropping it down the project’s workshop at unit 4, Shangan Court, Shangan Road, Ballymun, Dublin 9.

“There’s just so much paint going to waste and this saves it from going to landfill or being sent overseas for recycling,

? Warburton added.

Rediscover Paint is also providing local employment and training through a Community Employment scheme. This week locals can see the work for themselves during an open day at the workshop on Wednesday (August 5).

Staff from the project will also be at Ballymun Market on Ballymun Plaza this Thursday (August 6) and again on August 13 to showcase the paint and promotion days will be taking place at the Recycle Centres at Collins Avenue, North Strand and Ringsend.