Keohane Readymix Building Materials

04 December 2025

Keohane Readymix Group Honoured with Special Recognition Award at UEPG Sustainable Development Awards 2025

Brussels, Belgium – Keohane Readymix Group has been awarded a prestigious Special Recognition Award at the UEPG Sustainable Development Awards 2025, held in Brussels on 26 November 2025. The award celebrates the company’s exemplary Mawbeg Camp Cliff Restoration Project on the Bandon River, Co. Cork—an ambitious, environmentally led initiative that demonstrates industry-leading innovation in sustainable land restoration.

This European accolade acknowledges Keohane Readymix’s outstanding commitment to environmental responsibility, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable quarry management. The project was submitted under the Environment – Restoration category and was recognised by judges as a model for responsible quarry rehabilitation.

Receiving the award in Brussels (l-r): Antonis Antoniou Latouros, President, Aggregates Europe; Dirk Fincke, Secretary General, Aggregates Europe; and Keohane Readymix Directors – Eibhlin Keohane, Paudie Keohane, Gavin Twohig

A Restoration Project Rooted in Sustainability

Environmental stewardship is at the core of the Keohane Group’s operations, guided by a deep commitment to sustainability, resource efficiency, recycling, and continuous improvement. The Mawbeg restoration project is a powerful example of this ethos in action.

Originally undertaken as part of a planning condition to stabilise a cliff at the Mawbeg East quarry, the project evolved beyond compliance. Keohane Readymix implemented advanced, nature-based solutions to restore a vulnerable section of the Bandon River—aiming not only to prevent future erosion but also to strengthen ecological resilience and enhance biodiversity.

Innovative Restoration on the Bandon River

Located between Enniskeane and Bandon, the project site lies along one of West Cork’s most significant watercourses. Years of natural erosion threatened water quality, aquatic habitats, and the stability of the adjoining riverbank.

In collaboration with IE Consulting Ltd. and leading ecological engineering specialists Rivus Ltd., Keohane Readymix developed a restoration plan that combined rigorous engineering with natural ecological regeneration. Key measures included:

• Cliff stabilisation and regrading to prevent collapse and protect the riverbed
• Installation of Geocoir bioengineered anti-erosion matting, using natural fibres
• Installation of Willow panels above the Geocoir
• Willow slip planting to promote long-term bank stability
• Locally sourced sandstone toe reinforcements for additional protection
• Topsoil and grass seeding to accelerate natural recolonisation
• Creation of a riparian woodland corridor, with alder and willow providing a future habitat for local species

All works were conducted in dry conditions to prevent river disturbance, with protective bunds maintained at all times to safeguard water quality.

Immediate and Measurable Environmental Benefits

Within months of completion, the restored riverbank demonstrated exceptional results:

• No signs of fresh erosion, even after unprecedented flooding events
• Rapid vegetation establishment across the former cliff face
• Healthy growth of willow and alder, forming the foundation of a thriving riparian habitat
• Improved water quality and protection of aquatic ecosystems
• Evidence of returning wildlife, including an active mammal trail observed in early 2025

The rejuvenated site is now transitioning from industrial use to an ecologically rich reserve, supporting biodiversity and contributing positively to the surrounding West Cork landscape.

A Proud Moment for a Family-Run Business

Speaking about the award, Eibhlin Keohane, Director of Keohane Readymix, said:

“We are deeply honoured to receive this Special Recognition Award from UEPG. As a family-run business rooted in West Cork, caring for our local environment and communities is central to everything we do. The Mawbeg project reflects our long-term commitment to sustainability and shows what can be achieved when industry works hand-in-hand with nature.”

The Group also acknowledged the vital collaboration with ecological and engineering partners, the landowner, local anglers and Inland Fisheries Ireland, all of whom contributed to the project’s success.

Setting a Benchmark for Sustainable Quarry Rehabilitation

The Mawbeg Camp Cliff Restoration Project is now recognised as a pioneering example of nature-based engineering, responsible land management, and community-minded environmental stewardship.

Keohane Readymix remains committed to ongoing habitat monitoring and ecological enhancement at the site, ensuring long-term environmental benefits for the Bandon River and its surrounding ecosystems.

Read full details of the Mawbeg Cliff Restoration Project here.