Dublin Airport Community Difference Day Leaves Lasting Legacy at National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh

Patients, families and staff at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh are now benefiting from a transformed outdoor tranquillity garden following a major Community Difference Day project delivered by more than 70 volunteers from Dublin Airport.

The project, completed last Wednesday, has created a welcoming outdoor space where patients can spend time with loved ones, take a break from the clinical environment and support their wellbeing during treatment, rehabilitation and recovery. 

The project was delivered as part of daa's annual Community Difference Days initiative and was selected following an employee-led nomination process. Over the course of a single day, Dublin Airport employees worked together to completely transform the previously underutilised area into a peaceful garden that will benefit generations of patients, visitors and hospital staff. 

The tranquillity garden is designed to provide a calm and restorative environment for people undergoing treatment, rehabilitation or recovery, while also offering families and staff a place to relax and reflect away from the busy clinical setting.

Joanne Larkin, Assistant Director of Nursing at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh, said: “The National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh is a unique hospital in the range of care we provide. We provide specialist orthopaedic and surgical services, alongside our specialist oncology, bone and soft tissue services, where patients may undergo complex and life-changing surgery. We care for our younger patients though our paediatric services, and we also have our wonderful rehabilitation unit, specialising in the care and rehabilitation of older adults. We know that surgery, treatment and time spent in hospital can be difficult, it can be a vulnerable and worrying time, not only for our patients, but for their families and loved ones too. 

“That is why this project is so important to us. This tranquillity garden is about creating a peaceful and welcoming space where patients can step away, even for a little while, from the busy environment of the ward. By volunteering to create this special new space, Dublin Airport employees are making a lasting contribution to our hospital and, most importantly, to the experience of the patients and families we care for. We are extremely grateful for their support with this project, for their kindness and generosity, and especially for volunteering their time today to create this very special space for our patients and their families and for our staff.”

Gary McLean, Managing Director of Dublin Airport, said: "Our Community Difference Days are a practical example of the commitment our employees have to the communities around Dublin Airport. Every year, colleagues volunteer their time and energy to help create projects that deliver real and lasting benefits for local organisations.

"We are delighted to be working with the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh this year. These projects make a meaningful contribution to the communities we live and work in. The strong support identified in recent community research is encouraging, and days like these help us continue building positive relationships through tangible action."

Amy Wood, Community Engagement Senior Manager at daa, said: “Supporting our local communities is a core focus for daa. Community difference days give our employees the opportunity to work alongside local organisations and make a lasting positive impact. The fact that this project was nominated by an employee reflects the strong connections that exist between daa and the local community.

"We are delighted to partner with the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh on this project, which will help create a more welcoming, accessible and tranquil outdoor environment for patients, visitors and staff. By working together on initiatives like this, we can support vital community facilities and create positive impacts that extend far beyond the project itself.”

Community Difference Days have become a key part of daa's approach to community engagement, with employees volunteering their time and skills to help local organisations deliver projects that create lasting benefits. Earlier this autumn, employees from daa's international retail business ARI transformed an outdoor courtyard at a school in Finglas, while a second major Community Difference Day project involving Dublin Airport volunteers is due to take place later this month at Ballymun Kickhams GAA Club. Together, more than 200 daa employees will have taken part in volunteering projects during 2026.