Ahead of the European Parliament term, Ireland’s new MEPs visited Tirlán at Ballyragget plant

Our Ballyragget team recently welcomed Ireland’s MEPs to our state-of-the-art Ballyragget plant before they head to Brussels for the new European Parliament term.

The MEPs who joined us were Billy Kelleher (FF/Renew Europe), Michael McNamara (Ind/Renew Europe), Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF/Renew Europe), Barry Cowen (FF/Renew Europe), Kathleen Funchion (SF/The Left) and Nina Carberry (FG/EPP).

The purpose of the meeting was to inform our MEPs about the significant economic impact of the agricultural sector, especially its role in creating jobs and supporting vibrant rural communities. An EY study highlighted that Tirlán’s activities support 19,000 jobs in Ireland, both directly and indirectly.

During the meeting, we discussed several important topics, including the need to retain the Nitrates Derogation beyond 2025 and the crucial role of Ireland’s farming, dairy and grain sectors in our economy.

Our MEPs also had the opportunity to tour Tirlán’s Innovation Centre and Ballyragget plant. They were briefed on our Farming for Water: River Slaney Project, which aims to enhance water quality in the Slaney River catchment area of Wexford, Carlow and Wicklow. This project could serve as a model for other EU member states.

John Murphy, Tirlán’s Chairperson, commented: “We are very pleased to welcome so many of our MEPs here ahead of what will no doubt be a very busy term in the European Parliament. It is vitally important to Ireland’s agri sector that our MEPs use their strong collective voice to advocate on behalf of farming families across the country.

“The dairy and grain industries are key to Ireland’s rural economy. Our politicians and policymakers need to understand and support our farmers. Agriculture as an indigenous employer cannot be underestimated and must be at the forefront of their work in Europe. In particular the retention of the derogation is a key ask of our MEPs. We look forward to ongoing dialogue with our representatives,” he added.

Seán Molloy, Tirlán’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “It is an opportune time to show our MEPs how the dairy sector is adapting in a sustainable manner, while retaining our position as world-class food producers and economic drivers. As the new European Parliament convenes, we ask our MEPs to advocate on behalf of Irish agriculture and to support Irish farm families, as well as the wider community directly and indirectly employed in the sector.”