Date: 24 Apr 2026
From Donegal to The Gambia: Community Donations Driving Education and Sustainability
Donegal County Council is proud to support this year’s Bikes to Africa initiative, delivered in partnership with the Letterkenny Rotary Club and Bryson Recycling. The scheme invites households across Donegal to donate good quality bicycles that can be refurbished and sent to communities in Africa where access to reliable transport can transform opportunities in education, healthcare and employment.
By contributing an unused bike, Donegal residents are helping extend the life of valuable resources, supporting global sustainability and reducing waste in line with the County’s circular economy goals. This longstanding initiative continues to transform unused bicycles from across Donegal.
Now in its latest year, the scheme invited members of the public to donate unwanted but repairable bicycles at any of Donegal County Council’s six Recycling Centres at Laghey, Dungloe, Carndonagh, Stranorlar, Letterkenny and Milford, throughout the year.
150 bikes were collected from Milford recycling centre and then transported to Loughan House, Co Cavan, where they will be refurbished before being shipped to The Gambia to provide life changing transport for schoolchildren there.
Donegal is one of several counties taking part nationally and continued community support ensures the project’s success and long lasting impact abroad. The scheme has already supported thousands of students and communities by providing suitable for travelling long distances to school in challenging conditions.
Speaking of this initiative the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Paul Canning welcomed the continuation of this highly successful partnership:
“The School Bikes Africa initiative is an exceptional example of community collaboration, sustainability in action and the power of reuse. Each donated bike gives a young student the chance to access education more easily while also supporting learning and rehabilitation opportunities here at home.”
Donations are sought bicycles that are strong and sturdy, can withstand rough terrain, to suit both primary and secondary level students with a minimum of 24” wheel size, in reasonable repair and having mountain bike type tyres.
The Climate Action Unit encourages individuals, families, schools and community groups to participate in this impactful initiative.
“This scheme reduces waste locally and promotes the circular economy goals set out in the Council’s Climate Action priorities. By donating today, the public is helping to reduce waste, promote reuse and support global education reflecting Donegal’s strong commitment to climate action” added Rosita Mahony, Environmental Awareness Officer with Donegal County Council.
Residents can donate bikes year-round at any of Donegal County Council’s Recycling Centres. Opening times and locations are available at: www.donegalcoco.ie and https://brysonrecycling.org/ireland/donegal-county-council
