KMK Metals Recycling donates €1000 to Kilbeggan Tidy Towns

A special event was held in KMK Metals Recycling in Kilbeggan on Friday, May 26 to mark National Biodiversity Week and launch the company’s new biodiversity area. A cheque for €1000 was also presented to Kilbeggan Tidy Towns.

Staff at the Kilbeggan e-waste recycling facility have been working hard over the past year to develop a woodland biodiversity area as part of the company’s membership of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and chose this week as the perfect time to launch the project.

A team of volunteers led by David Finane and Katarzyna Sigel regularly took time out of their day to redevelop the area, removing dead trees and foliage and creating space to plant bluebells, snowdrops and daffodils. Some of the brambles and weeds were removed while others were left for the benefit of birds and biodiversity. Bird boxes, bird feeders and bee and butterfly houses have also been installed along the trail.

The biodiversity area, which runs along the perimeter of the busy working site, was officially launched with a coffee morning and woodland walk. A new sign created byFacility Manager, Alan O’Connor along with Concrete and Quarry, was unveiled, which details the full biodiversity plan for the area.

Compliance Manager of KMK Metals Recycling, Eamonn Pidgeon, commented: “We could always see that there was a lovely, wooded area with great potential along the side of the Kilbeggan facility, but it was overcrowded and overgrown. What our team and the volunteers from other departments have created is a wonderful habitat and new biodiversity area that is now a part of our AER and our future plans.”

CEO of KMK Metals Recycling Kurt Kyck presented a cheque for €1000 to Kilbeggan Tidy Towns Committee, who were represented by Bernie McCarthy and Teresa Feery. Volunteers from the company have also pledged to devote some time to local projects being undertaken by the Tidy Towns group.

Addressing the event, General Manager, Max Kyck, said: “At KMK, the protection of the environment has always been our number one priority and a focus of our whole business model. Biodiversity is hugely important but unfortunately in decline with constant threats to our environment. We believe that everyone should try to make a difference and I am very proud of each employee who has helped create this wonderful space. While it is brilliant to see this little woodland area being developed for the benefit of the insects, birds and wildlife, sitting alongside a busy recycling facility, it is just as nice to be able to provide an area of respite and calm for our staff to enjoy on their breaks.

“We are very glad to be able to help Kilbeggan Tidy Towns with the wonderful work they do keeping the town looking so well, while also playing a part to aid local biodiversity.”