Frequently Asked Questions
About Co-operatives Ireland
What is Co-operatives Ireland?
We are a new voice for co-operative, inclusive, and democratic enterprise in Ireland.
Co-operatives Ireland is a national federation representing co-operatives of all kinds, enterprises owned and governed by the people they exist to serve: their consumers, employees, producers, and communities.
Our mission is to strengthen and grow the co-operative movement, advocate for enabling policy, and build a more inclusive and democratic economy.
Why was Co-operatives Ireland established?
Ireland’s co-operative movement is diverse and dynamic, but until now we have lacked a unified national voice.
Co-operatives Ireland was created to bring that voice together to advocate for modern legislation, supportive policies, and fair access to supports and resources for co-operatives and other inclusive, democratic enterprises.
We aim to make the co-operative model a mainstream choice for communities, workers, and entrepreneurs across Ireland.
What types of organisations do you represent?
We represent co-operatives of every kind including worker, consumer community, producer, housing, credit and multi-stakeholder co-operatives, alongside other inclusive and democratic enterprises such as employee ownership trusts, mutuals, and community land trusts.
Our role is to unite, promote and advocate for this broad family of inclusive, democratic business models.
What are co-operatives?
A co-operative is an enterprise or organisation that is democratically owned and controlled by its members, for the purpose of meeting their shared economic, cultural, and/or social needs, and not generating a return for external shareholders.
The members can be its customers, employees, residents, suppliers and/or wider community, who have a voice in how their co-operative is run. Every co-operative across the world shares the same seven co-operative principles.
What are inclusive and democratic enterprises?
We use the term inclusive and democratic enterprises to describe organisations where membership and participation are open to some or all primary stakeholders, without arbitrary barriers or discriminatory membership policies, and where these members exercise control through equal and democratic decision-making.
This means we welcome organisations that uphold two core co-operative principles: open and voluntary membership, and member democratic control.
Membership
Who can join Co-operatives Ireland?
Membership is open to:
Primary co-operatives and federations of co-operatives
Inclusive and democratic enterprises (such as mutuals, community land trusts, and employee ownership trusts)
Supportive organisations and individuals who share our values
We welcome members from all sectors who are committed to expanding the ownership economy and building greater community wealth.
Why should our co-operative OR ORGANISATION join?
By joining Co-operatives Ireland, you’ll be part of a national and international movement working to ensure the co-operative model has the recognition, support, and policy environment necessary to thrive for the benefit of their members, their communities and our planet.
Membership helps you:
Shape legislation and national policy affecting co-operatives, and other inclusive, democratic enterprises.
Connect with other co-operatives and share learning.
Build your visibility as part of Ireland’s co-operative movement.
Stand in solidarity with others building a more inclusive and democratic economy.
Joining now means helping to shape how the federation grows and what it stands for.
How DOES MY ORGANISATION BECOME A MEMBER?
Becoming an organisation member is simple and designed to respect your organisation’s governance process.
Complete an expression of interest form - setting out organisation’s support for and interest in joining Co-operatives Ireland.
Progress your membership application - we will work with you to gather the necessary information to finalise your application for review by our Board.
Finalise your membership - once approved by our Board, you will gain voting rights and participation in the governance of our federation.
There is no financial contribution required at this stage - your engagement and support are what matter most.
How DOES an INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTER BECOME A MEMBER?
Individuals who share our values and commitment to inclusive democratic ownership are warmly invited to join.
Complete our short membership form to participate in our governance, access learning opportunities, and connect with others building a more inclusive and democratic economy.
Membership is free at this stage and open to anyone who supports the aims and values of Co-operatives Ireland.
Can we join if we already belong to another federation or representative body?
Yes. Co-operatives Ireland is not an exclusive organisation - we believe in co-operation, not competition!
You’re welcome to be part of multiple federations and representative bodies. We seek to work constructively with all organisations that share our values and commitment to an inclusive, democratic economy for all.
We also welcome interest from federations that are interested in formally working with or becoming a member of Co-operatives Ireland.
Are there membership fees? How are they determined?
During our initial phase of development, Co-operatives Ireland will not be asking members to contribute a membership fee. We are keeping our costs low through voluntary effort, limiting our overheads, and we have received a number of small start-up grants from those within the movement.
We do have provision within our Rules to set a membership contribution, which will be a very low percentage of annual turnover with allowances made very low-turnover co-operatives and co-operatives in financial difficulty. This rate will be agreed and set by our members at a General Meeting.
Federation Governance
How is Co-operatives Ireland governed?
Co-operatives Ireland is governed by a Board elected by our members. The Board is responsible for overseeing our strategy, remaining compliant with policies and legislation, and upholding the values and principles that guide the co-operative movement.
As an unincorporated association, we operate under a set of Rules that set out our purpose, structure, and decision-making processes.
Who sits on our Board and how are they chosen?
Our Board is made up of nominees from member organisations and individual members elected at our Annual General Meeting. All members have the opportunity to nominate candidates and vote, ensuring the Board reflects the diversity of the movement and the interests of the people we serve.
What role do members play in decision-making?
Members are at the heart of our governance. They shape our priorities, influence our policy positions, and participate in key decisions through consultations, working groups, and general meetings. Each full member has a vote on major matters, ensuring our direction is genuinely driven by those who make up our federation.
What are our governing Rules and how can members access them?
Our governing Rules outline our purpose, membership structure, democratic processes, and the responsibilities of the Board. These Rules are available to all members on request, and we aim to keep them accessible and easy to understand so everyone can participate confidently in our governance.
Advocacy and Policy
How does Co-operatives Ireland advocate for co-operatives?
We engage directly with government, policymakers, and public bodies to ensure that co-operatives are recognised, supported, and enabled by law and policy.
Our current advocacy focuses on:
Modernising co-operative legislation
Securing access to business supports and enabling enterprise policy
Promoting co-operatives as a key part of a more equitable and sustainable economy in Ireland
Building awareness of the benefits of co-operatives for communities, workers and producers.
How does Co-operatives Ireland work with other organisations?
We believe co-operation should extend beyond co-operatives themselves. We collaborate with other federations, advocacy bodies, and networks where our policies and values align, ensuring a coherent voice for democratic and inclusive enterprise across Ireland.
How are priorities decided?
Our members shape our strategy and advocacy through working groups, consultations, and general meetings. This ensures that our policy positions reflect the real needs of co-operatives and democratic enterprises nationwide.
Strategy and Vision
What is your long-term vision?
Our vision is of an Ireland where co-operative, inclusive, and democratic enterprises thrive in every community and sector contributing to sustainable jobs, stronger local economies, and shared prosperity.
We aim to make co-operatives a recognised and supported cornerstone of national economic and social policy.
What are your strategic goals?
Over the next three years, we’re focused on three key priorities:
Unite the Co-operative Movement
Promote the Co-operative Model
Advocate for an Enabling Environment
How can I stay updated?
You can sign up for updates, events, and consultation invitations through our newsletter.
You can contact us below about you or your organisation is interest in membership, or otherwise working together and can sign up for our newsletter at the same time. We’ll return your email as soon as possible.