Team members from Fairyhouse Racecourse, Levy Ireland & Horse Racing Ireland joined forces on Wednesday to partake in the community driven ‘100 Million Trees Project’.
The ‘100 Million Trees Project’ is an initiative developed by brothers Richard & David Mulcahy, with the aim being to reverse the environmental damage caused by the reduction of forests worldwide.
As part of their sustainability policy, Fairyhouse Racecourse’s catering partner, Levy Ireland, has committed to a climate net zero target by 2027 through 80% of carbon emissions decarbonised and the remaining 20% of carbon emissions neutralised through high quality carbon projects in the UK & Ireland.
Peter Roe, General Manager, Fairyhouse Racecourse:
“Fairyhouse is delighted to have the opportunity to partner with Levy Ireland and the “Million Tree Project”, in this exciting venture. Sustainability has become a focus for everyone, and this is particularly the case for Fairyhouse. We have selected a site overlooking the 2nd last fence, to ensure this initiative will always be front and centre as we strive to lower our carbon footprint.”
David Mulcahy MD FRCPI FESC, 100 million Trees Project co-founder:
“We at the million-tree project are delighted to have the opportunity to plant 2500 native Irish tree mini first at the wonderful Fairyhouse Racecourse and with the kind sponsorship of Levy Ireland. The mini forest will consist of 13 different native tree species, and hopefully will stand for many decades (and beyond) as a small contribution towards looking after our wonderful but under threat natural world.”
Victor Quinlan, Capital Projects and Environmental Sustainability Lead, HRI:
“HRI is investing time and resources in building strong sustainability foundations within our organisation, with a complete sustainability strategy to be launched in early December. Our vision is to drive and support the industry to become a recognised leader in sustainability. The ‘100 Million Trees Project’ is a great initiative, enhancing biodiversity at our racecourses and we hope that Fairyhouse will be the first of many racecourses to participate in this project.”
Jon Davies, Managing Director, Levy UK & Ireland:
“At Levy, we are 100% committed to doing what we can to limit the impact of our operations on the health of our planet. The 100m Trees Project is an initiative we are fully behind, planting native Irish trees to help reverse the deforestation that has occurred across most European countries and to provide improved biodiversity and soil health.”
Sharon Fitzpatrick, Director, Levy Ireland:
“From the very first conversation that I had with Peter Roe about a potential planting site at Fairyhouse Racecourse, it was apparent that the authentic approach that we take towards reducing our carbon footprint and working towards a sustainable future, was as important to Peter and the Fairyhouse Racecourse team as it is t us at Levy Ireland. The synergy in our environmentally conscious mindsets is one of the things makes this partnership such a special one.”
Richard McNamara, General Manager, Levy Ireland Racecourse Division:
“Our sustainability policy at Levy Ireland is one that we take very seriously and being able to lead the charge in partnership with Fairyhouse Racecourse by coming together to plant a forest is another example of the proactive approach that we continually take. The 100 Million Tree Project initiative assists us as we continue to strive towards carbon net zero.”