Insects crawl out from the woodwork for a new ‘hotel’

DUBLIN Airport’s tiniest inhabitants are enjoying a life of luxury following the unveiling of a brand new creepy-crawly hotel.

The

‘hotel’ was built to encourage beneficial insects, insects that perform a valued service in the environment such as pollination and pest control, and to support biodiversity in the airport gardens.

The idea for an

‘Insect Hotel’ came from Dublin Airport’s environment department and brought to life by airport carpenters who designed the hotel. Dublin Airport carpenter John Duffy said:

“We used old untreated pallets as well as a host of natural materials such as logs, twigs, and branches to make the insect hotel.

“Colleagues in the gardening section were very helpful in sourcing the building materials so that the only purchase was the chicken wire to prevent birds gaining access.

?

Some of the beneficial insects that have already checked-in to the hotel include solitary bees, butterflies and hoverflies.

“We hope insects such as green lacewings, ladybirds and earwigs will also make use of the sheltered surroundings of the hotel for nesting and hibernation over the coming months,

? added Mr Duffy.

Many of these insects are vital for pollination and pest control and it is hoped that the hotel will help to keep the airport’s flowerbeds healthy.

Meanwhile, the daa’s Dublin Airport Central building has been shortlisted in the Sustainable Buildings Excellence in Environment category for the 2017 Chambers Ireland Corporate Social Responsibility Awards. 

The award recognises work being carried out by Irish and multinational companies to improve the lives of its employees and to enhance the civic environment in which they operate.