Rothar was created in May 2008. The idea came up in the beginning of 2008, surprised by the amount of bicycles abandoned and damaged in Dublin streets. As cyclists (and passionate about bicycles), it was difficult to see that bicycles were considered disposable goods.

We also experienced the lack of cheap and quality second hand bicycles available in Dublin, and the costs of repairs that go along with owning a bicycle, making cycling difficult for people with limited financial resources. Secondly, we have been working in community development projects as a volunteer and in a paid capacity for many years, and we could witness how people we were working with (young people in disadvantaged areas, refugees, people with literacy issues) were isolated but had a great potential once they were given opportunities. we decided then to combine our environmental awareness with the social inclusion via a medium – the bicycle – that appears to us like being a very promising transportation solution to our congested city.

Bicycles break isolation by providing a cheap mode of transport, by providing the possibility to gain skills to repair the bike and access workstations and tools, and develop an eco-friendly mentality that would go against the “throwawayism” that still prevails in Ireland.

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Mission Statement:

Scarce resources, environmental destruction and social inequalities are key challenges in today's society. Rothar reuses and recycles scrap bicycles, reducing waste, providing a sustainable mode of transport and community-based education to promote social inclusion. Our organisation advocates for self-empowerment of disadvantaged communities by promoting vocational training and eco-friendly mobility.

Contact us - Email: info@rothar.ie | Telephone: 086 8956157

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Rothar has been awarded by the social entrepreneurs Ireland...

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland aims to ignite social change by identifying, investing in, and supporting Irish social entrepreneurs - individuals who are prepared to take risks by applying their energy, drive, ambition and innovation to tackle some of Ireland's most entrenched social problems.  Since 2004 the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards programme has selected and supported 113 leading social entrepreneurs, providing financial support, training, education and network opportunities

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