New mural to celebrate local environmental champion
26 May 2026
The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, is calling on local people to recognise the unsung heroes of sustainability across the district by nominating a Reuse & Repair Champion as part of Reuse & Repair Week.
They will feature in a unique piece of public art created using recycled paint from Repair & Share Foyle’s Legenderry Colours initiative, a project that gives unused paint a second life.
The scheme is led by the Northern Ireland Resources Network (NIRN) and aims to acknowledge some of the fantastic work being done within the local community to raise awareness of environmental issues.
Partnering with acclaimed graffiti artist collective Peaball, the initiative will culminate in the creation of a vibrant public mural celebrating a local individual who embodies the spirit of the circular economy, inspiring others to reduce waste.
The mural will be created on June 3rd and six members of the public will also have the opportunity to take part in painting the mural alongside Peaball artists. No previous experience is required, just creativity and enthusiasm for sustainability.
Encouraging people to nominate their environmental champion, Mayor McHugh said: “This is a fantastic initiative that shines a light on the everyday actions people across our district are taking to protect the environment. The paint is transformed from paint that has been left off at our recycling centres across Derry and Strabane and I would encourage anyone to drop off any unused or leftover paint at our recycling centres so it can go on to be reused to create some wonderful projects like this. By celebrating those who choose to repair, reuse and rethink waste, we are inspiring wider behavioural change across our communities.
“I would encourage everyone to take a moment to nominate someone who is making a real difference.”
Caroline McGuinness-Brooks from Repair & Share Foyle added: “Reuse & Repair Week shines a light on the incredible impact of grassroots organisations like ours that are proving waste doesn’t have to be wasted. Through our collaboration with graffiti artist Peaball, we’re showing how paint once destined for disposal can be transformed into something powerful and creative. We’d love people to nominate their local Reuse & Repair Champion - and while they’re rethinking waste, why not rethink paint too? Our rescued paint is available through our social enterprise for just £2 per litre.”
Nominations are now open and can be made through https://forms.gle/jG1BsHSkZUAC6gB76
For more information, contact Repair & Share Foyle at repairsharefoyle.org