The Irish Government has recently announced a significant investment of €32 million in the agri-food sector. This public investment aims to support the implementation of 12 crucial capital projects in primary food plants scattered across the country.
This is the second funding announcement as part of the €100 million Capital Investment Scheme for the Processing and Marketing of Agriculture products. Once fully completed, this scheme will have facilitated 34 projects, attracting a total combined public and private investment exceeding €420 million. Out of this, the 12 capital projects included in the second funding phase account for €160 million. The administration of this scheme comes under the responsibility of Enterprise Ireland.
The primary objective of this scheme is to provide assistance to companies in enhancing their operational capability, pursuing product and market diversification strategies, and ensuring the long-term stability of our vital agri-food sector.
Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, commented on this investment saying, “Our agri-food sector is a critical driver of local economic prosperity, employing 165,000 people across every county in Ireland. The government is committed to supporting the sector’s sustainable future as it adapts to consumer demands and seeks to diversify both its products and markets.”
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, also added, “It is imperative that we take proactive measures to future-proof all elements of the sector, so as to continue meeting new market dynamics and emerging trends. Our food producers face various challenges, including input costs, changing consumer demands, and the altered trading relationship with the UK. Fortunately, the sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience in confronting these challenges.”
This funding support ensures that food companies can invest in ambitious strategies for future value growth in established and emerging markets. Furthermore, it encourages the development of product innovations that align with evolving consumer demands. Ultimately, these investments are of critical importance in driving increased returns for farm families and primary producers.
The 12 Capital Projects
| Company | Project Location | Short description | Funding under CIS |
| Dairygold Co-operative Society Limited | Castlefarm, Mitchelstown, Co Cork. | Market and product diversification in the nutritional market | €1,430,603 |
| Kepak Clonee Unlimited Company | Ballybay, Co. Monaghan | Market and product diversification with a focus on beef products | €2,000,000 |
| Dansko Foods Limited | Kilmallock, Co. Limerick. | Market and product diversification project | €2,243,188 |
| Kildare Chilling Unlimited Company | Kildare town Co. Kildare. | Market diversification project | €2,459,700 |
| Lakeland Dairies Co-operative Society Limited | Lough Egish, Co. Monaghan. | Post-Brexit market diversification project | €4,503,000 |
| Tirlán | Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny. | Product and market diversification project | €1,477,000 |
| Dew Valley Foods Unlimited Company | Holycross, Thurles, Co. Tipperary | Post-Brexit market diversification project | €5,000,000 |
| Tirlán | Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny | Product diversification project with a focus on the nutritional market | €3,965,670 |
| Liffey Meats (Cavan) Unlimited Company | Projects across three locations (Cavan, Mayo, Carlow) | Product and market diversification project | €2,114,000 |
| Ingredient Solutions Limited | Boherbue, Mallow, Co. Cork. | Market diversification project | €2,830,000 |
| Staunton Foods Limited | Timoleague, Bandon, Co. Cork. | Market diversification project | €1,802,037 |
| Queally Pig Slaughtering Limited | Grannagh, Waterford. | Product and market diversification project | €2,000,000 |
