Last week Kylemore Abbey announced that the neo-Gothic Church located in the Kylemore
woodland, and the estate’s fleet of shuttle buses are going green as they switch 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, and on Friday last, by announcing this development with Sweeney Oil,
who will be supplying the HVO biofuel, it took its next steps. Speaking at the announcement,
Conor Coyne, Kylemore Abbey CEO, reaffirmed Kylemore Abbey’s commitment to
sustainability.
“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.”
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 which is now known as a place for quiet reflection and beautiful
music recitals, was originally built in 1874 by Mitchell Henry to honour his late wife,
Margaret. Henry was a man of great social conscience and innovation, by becoming one of
the first major visitor attractions in Ireland to make the move to biofuels in this way, Kylemore
Abbey is endeavouring to honour Henry’s legacy while continuing the mission of stewardship led by the Benedictine Community of Kylemore Abbey.
The significant reduction in emissions from these vehicles will contribute to the extensive
biodiversity work that is being carried out on the estate. This work includes removing
invasive Rhododendron ponticum, planting over 200 native trees annually, and a research
partnership with the University of Galway. Kylemore Abbey has been documented stating
that the end goal is to change to electric vehicles using 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.
This move also signals another sustainable commitment made by Kylemore Abbey to work
with local suppliers. Speaking about announcement, local businessman John Sweeney of
Sweeney Oil remarked,
“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.”
As Kylemore Abbey continues to make strides towards sustainable practices, it remains
steadfast in its commitment to preserving the environment and upholding the legacy of
Mitchell Henry, embodying the values of the Benedictine Community of Kylemore Abbey.
For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.kylemoreabbey.com
Pictured are : CEO Conor Coyne & Eithne O Halloran
