In 2024, Clonakilty Distillery expanded its wildlife area, surpassing the milestone target by 100%, through pollinator-friendly planting and biodiversity initiatives benefiting both the environment and employees.
In 2024, Clonakilty Distillery made significant progress in enhancing local biodiversity, expanding its designated wildlife area from 0 m² in 2023 to 900 m², exceeding the milestone target by more than 100%. This expansion reflects the company’s growing commitment to environmental stewardship and nature-based solutions.
Two key initiatives were completed during the year - the planting of a wildflower meadow and formal registration with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. These actions have helped create a more hospitable environment for pollinators and other wildlife, while also reducing the need for overcutting and other disruptive maintenance practices.
The environmental benefits of these initiatives are already being observed. The new wildlife area supports greater biodiversity, contributes to carbon neutrality, and provides a more stable and less disturbed habitat for local species. These efforts align with national biodiversity goals and demonstrate the company’s proactive role in landscape-level conservation.
Beyond environmental impact, the initiatives have also delivered positive outcomes for employees. The new green space offers a peaceful and quiet area that promotes sensory engagement and physical activity, contributing to staff wellbeing and workplace satisfaction.
Looking ahead, Clonakilty Distillery plans to further its biodiversity efforts by planting its own botanicals for use in white spirits and creating dedicated hedgehog sanctuaries.
Founded in 1975 by Sean Loughnane, a third-generation butcher, Loughnane’s began as a retail shop in Galway and has since evolved into a specialist in diverse meat and plant-based products. They now offer sausages, puddings and meal solutions in chilled and frozen forms across Ireland and beyond, incorporating innovation and R&D to meet customer demands.
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Clonakilty Distillery Ltd, founded in 2016 in Clonakilty, Co. Cork, is a premium producer of Irish whiskey, gin, and vodka. The company supplies domestic and international markets and is recognised for its coastal maturation process and commitment to sustainability in craft spirit production.
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