Uniting and promoting co-operative, inclusive and democratic enterprise across Ireland.

About Us

 

Co-operation is at the heart of Irish our culture, and co-operatives have played an important role in our communities right up to the present day.

However the movement is fragmented, and nobody is promoting and advocating for the use of the model irrespective of sector or model.

Co-operatives Ireland is a federation that unites, promotes and advocates for co-operatives and other inclusive and democratic enterprises across Ireland from community enterprise to employee ownership.

We will support coops working together, promote awareness of the cooperative model and advocate for the policies we need to expand the growth of the model across new and emerging sectors.

We are asking all aligned co-operatives and co-operators to join us in building this new federation today.

 

Our Steering Committee

 
 

Our Purpose

 
“We unite, promote and advocate for co-operative, inclusive and democratic enterprise, empowering members, workers and communities to build thriving, sustainable communities through co-operation.”
— CIRL Strategy 2025-2030

Our Values

 

Inclusivity

We create space for diverse voices and perspectives, knowing that inclusivity strengthens both our organisation and the wider movement. By listening, learning, and working with openness and respect, we ensure everyone feels valued and able to contribute.

Solidarity

We stand with other organisations and movements advocating for an inclusive and democratic economy. We partner with others knowing that unity in action is key to creating meaningful change.

Equality

We work to ensure everyone’s voice is heard and valued, and we regularly reflect on our own practices to address imbalances.

Democracy

We promote the principles of democratic governance, encouraging other organisations to adopt inclusive and democratic models. We believe in shared leadership and accountability to our members and stakeholders.

Co-operation

We work together, sharing knowledge and resources for our mutual benefit and for the benefit of our members, employees and communities.

Sustainability

We are committed to sustainability in all its forms - social, economic, and environmental. We aim to build a resilient organisation that can sustain itself and its members for the long term, while advocating for systemic change to address the climate crisis.

Our Objectives

We have identified key strategic objectives that will maximise our collective efforts over the next two year period.

Strategic Pillar 1: Unite the Co-operative Movement

Strengthen and connect co-operatives of all kinds, creating a vibrant and supportive movement rooted in co-operation and solidarity. We will build the relationships, networks and collective capacity that allow co-operatives and inclusive and democratic enterprises to support each others growth and development.

Objectives

  • Build an Engaged and Representative Membership Community

    Key Result: 30 active member co-operatives from at least 8 sectors by 31 December 2026.

  • Facilitate Peer-to-Peer learning and networking

    Key Result: At least 50 co-operators actively participating in our members forum by 31 December 2026.

  • Foster a Strong Co-operative Identity and Shared Purpose

    Key Result: An annual summit established as a focal point for learning, connection and solidarity by 2026.

Strategic Pillar 2: Promote the Co-operative Model

Increase awareness and visibility of co-operative, inclusive and democratic enterprises as practical, values-driven solutions that deliver shared prosperity and build community wealth. We will tell the stories, celebrate the successes and demonstrate the impact of co-operation across Ireland.

Objectives

  • Showcase the Diversity and Impact of Co-operatives

    Key Result: Annual communications campaign featuring at least 12 member stories by end of 2026.

Strategic Pillar 3: Advocate for an Enabling Environment

Champion the interests of co-operatives and democratic enterprises at national and regional level, shaping policy and legislation. We will position Co-operatives Ireland as the recognised and trusted voice for inclusive and democratic enteprise in Ireland.

Objectives

  • Agree a Shared Policy Platform for the Movement (2025–2030)

    Key Result: Policy Platform endorsed by at least 75% of members by 31 December 2025.

  • Secure Legislative and Policy Progress for Co-operatives

    Key Result: Co-operative Societies Bill passed with at least 75% of key policy proposals incorporated.

  • Build Strategic Relationships and Strengthen Influence

    Key Result: Formal engagement established with at least three government departments or social partners by end of 2026.

Learn more

Do you want to learn more about membership?

 

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.

  1. Complete an expression of interest form - setting out organisation’s support for and interest in joining Co-operatives Ireland.

  2. Progress your membership application - we will work with you to gather the necessary information to finalise your application for review by our Board.

  3. 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:

  1. Unite the Co-operative Movement

  2. Promote the Co-operative Model

  3. 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.

Join the movement and become part of Co-operatives Ireland.

We are creating a powerful platform to advocate for the growth of enterprises owned by the people who matter most – their communities, their producers, and their employees.

Membership is open to co-operatives and inclusive, democratic enterprises of all kinds, as well as supportive organisations and individuals who share our values.

The process is simple — scroll down below to submit an expression of interest and start your journey with us.

 

Membership and Governance at a glance

Learn more

You can find a summary of how our membership and internal democracy works below. For more information, please review our Constitution.

  • a. Full members

    Co-operatives registered as societies or companies, or unincorporated associations which have demonstrated to the Committee that they abide by all seven co-operative principles and have their registered address on either jurisdiction on the island of Ireland.

    Any other democratic and inclusive enterprise or organisation which has demonstrated to the Committee they abide by the co-operative principles of open and voluntary members and member democratic control and have their registered address on either jurisdiction on the island of Ireland.

    Full members have full voting rights in general meetings.

    b. Associate members 

    Cooperative organisations which do not comply with the criteria for full membership and support the purpose of the Association may join as Associate members.

    Individuals who support the purpose of the Association may join as Associate members.

    In principle, those members who are eligible for membership under article 3(a) shall not be accepted as associate members. 

    Associate members have no voting rights in general meetings, but may vote for positions on the Management Committee as provided for in the Rules.

  • To ensure broad representation across the movement, full members are grouped into five classes when electing the Management Committee:

    Class C: - Consumer/Community Co-operatives, Mutuals and other community enterprises/organisations

    This class includes but is not limited to community co-ops, consumer co-ops, energy co-ops, housing co-ops, mutuals and credit unions.

    Class W: - Worker Co-operatives and other employee-owned enterprises/organisations

    This class includes but is not limited to worker co-operatives and employee ownership trusts.

    Class P: - Producer Co-operatives and other producer-owned enterprises/organisations

    This class includes but is not limited to producer co-operatives, farmer co-operatives and other producer owned enterprises/organisations.

    Class F: Consortium Co-operatives and other shared services enterprises

    This class includes but is not limited to consortium co-operatives and other mutual organisations providing shared services to their members.

    Class O: Other co-operative, inclusive and democratic enterprises/organisations

    This class includes but is not limited to multistakeholder co-operatives and enterprises, and any other organisation that does not clearly fit within any other class.

  • Each full member has one vote in general meetings.

    Associate members do not have a vote at General Meetings, except to vote for their representatives on the Management Committee.

  • Co-operatives Ireland is governed by a Management Committee of between five and twelve members, elected by and from our membership.

    • Class representatives: Five members are elected by the five membership classes (one per class).

    • At-large members: Five are elected by all full members as a whole.

    • Associate representatives: Two are elected by associate members, which includes individual supporters.

    Every member organisation appoints a named representative to exercise their membership rights.

Expression of Interest to join Co-operatives Ireland

Any organisation or individual interested in joining us can use the form below. Each membership application is handled personally by a member of our team, who will follow up with you to finalise the content of the application that goes to the our Board for approval.