Project team
Kieran Flynn
Project Manager
Kieran is originally from Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, and is a graduate of both the University of Plymouth, and the Milton Keynes Open University, with BSc (Hons) Degrees in Social Science, and Environmental Science. Having spent several years working as a Team and Project Manager in the Finance Industry in the UK, Kieran changed his career focus to Environmental Conservation, and subsequently went on to work for conservation projects in the Channel Islands, Scotland, and Greece, before returning to Ireland in 2018. Since then Kieran has worked with An Taisce, the NPWS, Birdwatch Ireland, and the EPA, on a wide variety of projects including bog restoration, breeding wader conservation, conservation action plans, and environmental enforcement. Kieran took up the role of Project Manager for the Lough Carra LIFE Project in June 2022.
Padraig Kelly
Groundwater Officer
Padraig is from Ballintubber, Co Mayo, within the Lough Carra catchment area, and is a graduate of both Ollscoil na Gaillimhe (NUI Galway), and Strathclyde University (Glasgow) with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Environmental Science, and an MSc in Hydrogeology. After graduating from Strathclyde, Padraig spent a number of years in Cambridge (UK) working as a hydrogeologist in water resources including catchment management, before returning to Ireland in 2018. Since then, Padraig has worked as a hydrogeological and contaminated land consultant with a Galway based company.
As the Groundwater Officer with the Lough Carra LIFE Project, Padraig will be the link between the GSI and the project team concerning farm plans or other nutrient management measures. He will be responsible for providing technical and practical advice on groundwater protection measures and liaising with the GSI with regard to hydrogeological field work.
Damian Jordan
Community Administration Officer
Damian a native of Mayo has a HNC in Landscape Management and a HND in Garden Design. He has been working in the United Kingdom in the Horticultural industry for the last number of years. His work there has ranged from managing commercial landscape contracts, maintaining woodland walks and high amenity areas for the local authorities in the Lothians, Scotland to lecturing and teaching horticulture and landscaping to students. He has also in the past volunteered with the BTCV in the restoration and management of wetland areas. He has a keen interest in Biodiversity and has in the past exhibited a show garden at Gardening Scotland based on that theme.
Aisling Burke
Project Administrator
Aisling has worked in Mayo County Council (MCC) since 2006, and has certificates in Business Secretarial, Local Government Studies, and Supervisory Management. She has worked in several areas of MCC including the Swinford Area Office, Reception, Switchboard, and the Chief Executive’s Office. She has significant experience in a broad range of areas of administration, including the Register of Electors, local elections, tenders and procurement, payments management, and Water Safety & Lifeguards. Aisling is currently the secretary to the Director of Services, and shares this role with her position as the Lough Carra LIFE Project Administrator.
Aisling will provide administrative support to the project team, will be responsible for financial and system controls, and financial reporting. She will also work closely with the Community Administration Officer in managing public engagement.
Siobhan Ward
Farm Advisor
Siobhan is from Killasser, Co Mayo, and is a graduate of Stratclyde University, ATU and NUIG, with Masters in Organic Agriculture and Ag-Innovation and a PgDip in Environmental protection. Siobhan is DAFM FAS approved and has worked as a farmer advisor for over 7yrs. She has run her own Agricultural Consultancy since 2015. She is passionate about agriculture and the role that farmers play in protecting the environment.
Siobhan will assist the Project Team with the design and implementation of the project’s Agri-environment payments scheme. She will work closely with the farmers in the area throughout the life of the project.
Ann Marie Meaney
Surface Water Officer
Ann Marie is a native of County Tipperary, living in Westport, and is an experienced Environmental Scientist, with a strong background in regulatory, enforcement and compliance. She graduated from the University Collage Cork in 2006, with a BSc (Honours) Degree in Environmental Science, and has since built up 15 years experience developing and implementing environmental policies, procedures, and programmes, in compliance with local, state, and corporate environmental laws, regulations, and statues. She has worked for the past number of years as an Environmental Engineer with AbbVie (Allergan) Westport, with previous experience as an EPA Drinking Water Inspector, with the Castlebar Inspectorate.
As Surfacewater Officer Ann Marie will oversee the project monitoring programme, and will bring water quality expertise to the Agri-environment Scheme, Biodiversity and Site Restoration plans, and all other areas of the project.