Mayo social services centre wins Lidl Green Fund award
Lidl Ireland has selected Castlebar Social Services CLG as the Mayo winner of Lidl’s inaugural 2025 Green Fund.
The organisation has been awarded a €3,000 grant to support its Garden Space Revamp Project, an initiative dedicated to enhancing biodiversity and improving the well-being of the local community.
Launched last February in partnership with Business in the Community, the Lidl Green Fund was established to support community-led projects that prioritise environmental sustainability and healthy living.
Castlebar Social Services CLG stood out for its commitment to creating an inclusive, eco-friendly environment that serves both the planet and the people of Mayo.
The €3,000 investment will facilitate the transformation of the organisation's existing outdoor area into a vibrant, accessible, and sensory-rich garden space.
Designed primarily for older citizens utilising day services, the revamped area will offer a therapeutic environment for relaxation, social interaction, and light gardening.
This initiative ensures that the local ecosystem thrives while providing a vital "green lung" for those who need it most.
Elaine O’Connor, Head of Sustainability at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, commented: "The Lidl Green Fund was created to support the grassroots projects that form the backbone of our local communities.
"At Lidl, we believe in playing an active role in the areas we serve, and through this fund, we are able to invest in initiatives that promote social inclusion, sustainability, and long-term community welfare.
Deirdre Waldron, manager of Castlebar Social Services, commented: "We are absolutely delighted to be named the Mayo winner of the Lidl Green Fund.
"This grant allows us to breathe new life into our outdoor space, turning it into a sanctuary where our service users can connect with nature and each other.
"By focusing on biodiversity and sensory planting, we are creating a sustainable legacy that supports the mental and physical well-being of our older community members. We are incredibly grateful to Lidl Ireland for recognising the value of this project and helping us make it a reality."