PICTURES: 'Absolutely fabulous' new biodiversity area launched in Offaly

A leading Offaly company unveiled their new biodiversity area recently at the centre of the Cappincur Industrial Estate on Daingean Road, Tullamore. The project was spearheaded by KMK Metals Recycling with the cooperation of several business within the industrial estate after it was originally envisioned back in 2024 by the members of the company's environmental compliance team.

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The launch was attended by Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr. John Leahy; Chairman of Tullamore Tidy Towns Cllr. Shane Murray; Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council, Ricky Whelan; Climate Action Coordinator with Offaly County Council, John McNally and Mural artist Shane Turner.

Local businesses were represented by KMK Metals Recycling’s Kurt and Max Kyck, Kevin and Deirdre Martin from Tullamore Steel and Eddie Dunne from MJ Dunnes, along with employees from the industrial estate.

Work originally began on the biodiversity area in the estate in June 2025 after it was identified as ideal for repurpose and a plan was mapped out.  

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The projects saw the introduction of planting boxes made from recycled timber, apple trees, raspberry and strawberry bushes and a variety of pollinator friendly plants such as lavender and wallflowers.

Work continued throughout the summer with a dedicated group of volunteers maintaining and further improving the biodiversity area with the help of local businesses in the estate. 

They gave their full backing KMK Metals Recycling to develop the common area and Tullamore Steel provided works to the value of €400 at the site. Other local businesses pledged to provide gardening tools, equipment and garden furniture to play their part in helping the project. 

KMK Metals Recycling also commissioned local artist, Shane Turner to create a vibrant mural depicting flowing water, distant mountains, wildflowers and elegant herons to complement the biodiversity area. 

After cutting a green ribbon to officially declare the new biodiversity area open Cllr. John Leahy, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, addressed the gathering: "I think what you have done here is absolutely fabulous. Cllr Murray and myself, along with the County Council staff that are here, will no doubt bring this back to the chamber and show that this is what can be done if you have the will of the people". 

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The Cathaoirleach also saluted the effort that went into the project saying: "I know KMK were the drivers of this, but they had the support of all the other businesses in the area. It’s something that could be built on in the future as there are lots of industrial areas that could use a space like this".

He concluded: "I will finish by saying, a lot of us are talking about the green agenda but very few companies or individuals put it into action and we are seeing real action here today. Huge congratulations to everyone.”

Managing Director of KMK Metals Recycling, Max Kyck said: “We are delighted with how the new biodiversity area has turned out. Biodiversity, sustainability and care for the environment are at the heart of our business model, which is why we were keen to develop an area supporting nature, right here in the vicinity of our headquarters.