Press Release: Minister Joe O’Brien TD Visits Ballymun to Celebrate the Launch of Cytech Training Facilities

Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, visits Ballymun to celebrate the launch of the Cytech Training facilities at the Rediscovery Centre. Cytech is an internationally recognised training programme for bicycle technicians in Ireland.

The Rediscovery Centre, Ireland’s National Centre for the Circular Economy, was delighted to welcome Minister Joe O’Brien TD on Friday to celebrate a significant development in the Irish cycling industry and culture: the launch of Cytech, the internationally recognised training and accreditation standard for bicycle technicians. which is now available at the Rediscovery Centre.

The partnership with Cytech positions the Rediscovery Centre as one of only seven high-end Cytech training providers globally, joining institutions in Australia, South Africa, Canada, Scotland, and England. This collaboration will deliver Cytech’s renowned training and accreditation to aspiring and established  bicycle technicians in Ireland, elevating the standards in the bicycle industry across the country.

Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD “I am delighted to officially open the Cytech in Ireland training facilities at the Rediscovery Centre. Cytech Ireland at the Rediscovery Centre builds on the foundational work of the Bike Community Services Programme, which is funded by my department. It is great to see the impact of this type of funding that provides employment opportunities and local services to disadvantaged communities. I look forward to seeing the growth of this project in the coming years.”

Sarah Miller, Chief Executive of the Rediscovery Centre, emphasised, “Our partnership with Cytech underscores our long-standing dedication to fostering active transport and supporting circular skill-building in Ireland. Since its  inception in 2010,  Rediscover Cycling has been at the forefront of promoting cycling through comprehensive training and the refurbishment of bicycles. By equipping bicycle technicians with top-tier skills and knowledge, we are now not  only enhancing bike maintenance standards but also increasing the capacity for active travel in the country.’

Cytech Ireland at the Rediscovery Centre is reflective of the growth of the Bike CSP Project, an ambitious initiative launched in January 2022.  Funded by the Department of Transport through the Department of Rural and Community Development as part of the Community Services Programme, there are five social enterprises around the country who are involved in this pilot project.  

The Pobal CSP funding enables Rediscover Cycling, in collaboration with Rothar, to co-develop and deliver a national bicycle skills training model and programme for bike upcycling social enterprises. Bike CSP saves significant numbers of bikes from disposal and provides low-cost, high-quality bikes for reuse. Additionally, a portion of the bikes produced by this Rediscovery Centre ‘Bike CSP’ project are distributed free of charge to allow people who do not qualify for the existing government bike to work scheme gain access to affordable and quality cycling options.

This initiative not only promotes cycling as a sustainable transport option but also supports national objectives like increased bike use, improved industry standards, and waste reduction.

The Rediscovery Centre has long been leading the way to in active travel around Ireland, since the establishment of Rediscover Cycling in 2010. 

Rediscover Cycling is a pivotal initiative under the Rediscovery Centre’s umbrella of reuse social enterprises. The project breathes new life into donated and discarded bikes, ensuring they are roadworthy and available at unbeatable prices in their Ballymun Eco Store. Unsalvageable bikes are dismantled for parts, which are used in repairs, art, and even musical instruments, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

The Rediscovery Centre is the National Centre for the Circular Economy in Ireland. Since 2004, the centre has been leading Ireland’s transition to a circular economy and low-carbon, sustainable future.

Based in Europe’s first circular economy demonstration centre, the Rediscovery Centre acts as an innovation hub, delivering education, providing research and enabling policy, citizen engagement and collaboration to support community action. Recognising that a just transition requires a social movement, they use their skills and expertise to ensure that all people benefit from, and can participate in, the circular economy. 

Established in 2007, Rothar began as a recycling project with youth groups in Ballyfermot, Ballymun, and The Liberties, training over 100 people in bicycle mechanics, customer service, and barista skills through its Dublin City Centre café. Collaborating with Bridge Project and the Changeworks programme since 2014, Rothar launched the country’s first accredited bicycle mechanics program in 2015, expanding to create a national network of satellite education centres. Renowned for its industry connections, high-quality service, and advocacy for sustainable urban transport, Rothar is a trusted and inclusive bicycle shop.

Rediscovery Centre
+353 1 893 3801
bikes@rediscoverycentre.ie
www.rediscoverycentre.ie