Kylemore Abbey kick-off plans to become more sustainable

Last week Kylemore Abbey announced that they are going green. The neo-Gothic Church located in the Kylemore woodland, and the estate’s fleet of shuttle buses have switched to HVO Biofuel which will reduce emissions by up to 87%.

Since 2019, Kylemore Abbey has been making a concerted effort to become a leader in sustainable tourism, winning the Most Sustainable Business Award in 2021at the Galway Chamber Awards. They took their next steps towards sustainability last Friday and announced this development with Sweeney Oil, who will be supplying the HVO biofuel.

Speaking at the announcement, Kylemore Abbey CEO, Conor Coyne, reaffirmed their commitment to sustainability, he said: “At Kylemore Abbey, we are constantly looking for ways to have a positive impact on the environment. The use of HVO, as a substitute for fossil fuel, is yet another step on this journey.

“By switching from Diesel and Heating Oil, we are dramatically reducing our own carbon footprint and promoting environmental stewardship to the many guests who come to visit us from around the world” he continued.

The use of the HVO Biofuel in one of Kylemore’s most loved buildings and on the shuttle bus which carries over 250,000 visitors the 1.6km distance between the castle and garden annually, will ensure the impact of the biofuel is felt by most visitors across the 1,000-acre Estate.

The neo-Gothic Church was built in 1874 by Mitchell Henry to honour his late wife, Margaret. Mr Henry was a man of great social conscience and innovation, and so, by becoming one of the first major attractions in Ireland to make the move to biofuels, Kylemore Abbey is endeavouring to honour Henry’s legacy. The church is known as a place for quiet reflection and beautiful music recitals.

The significant reduction in emissions from these vehicles will contribute to the extensive biodiversity work that is being carried out on the estate. The work includes removing invasive Rhododendron ponticum, planting over 200 native trees annually, and a research partnership with the University of Galway.

The end goal for the estate is to change to electric vehicles and use hydro and solar power to supplement power supply. The move to HVO Biofuel demonstrates their commitment to making significant improvements where possible in the interim.

The move also signals commitment made by Kylemore Abbey to work with local suppliers. Speaking about announcement, local businessman John Sweeney of Sweeney Oil said: “Sweeney Oil, supplier of HVO throughout Connacht, is delighted to be associated with Kylemore Abbey, an iconic property in Connemara in their efforts to reduce emissions and their carbon footprint as suppliers of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).

“HVO is an efficient and effective alternative to traditional fuels. We’re seeing increasing interest in HVO from our customers who are interested in reducing their emissions and playing their part in reducing the impact of climate change” he concluded.

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