Tirlán Abbey Quarter hub officially opened in Kilkenny

One of the most advanced work spaces in Ireland has been created in the Abbey Quarter at the heart of Kilkenny City - and as the new Tirlán collaboration hub it has been officially opened today by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney.

In surroundings both ancient and modern, the new offices are designed as a blended workplace in line with Government aims on flexible working and the regeneration of towns and cities. It's one of the first purpose-built workspaces for the new hybrid work environment.

The hub has a footfall of over 650 employees a week, as the state-of-the-art facilities and meeting rooms are available for collaboration by those working across the 11 Tirlán high-tech processing facilities and 52 agri-branches throughout Ireland.

The Tirlán headquarters and collaboration hub is located within the Abbey Quarter Development, which is an urban regeneration initiative between Kilkenny County Council and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF). It is based on the site of the former Smithwick’s Brewery and St Francis Abbey, alongside an urban park and skate park.

Above:  Pictured at the official opening of Tirlán's new headquarters and collaborative hub at Abbey Quarter, Kilkenny, is Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD who officiated at the opening with from left Tirlán Chairman John Murphy; Tirlán Office Facilities Manager Mary Banks and Tirlán Chief Executive Jim Bergin.  Picture Dylan Vaughan.

Minister Coveney, who said it really was a privilege for him to be there, acknowledged everyone involved in the development, from Kilkenny County Council, Kilkenny Abbey Quarter Development, Ireland Strategic Investment Fund and Tirlán.

He said Tirlán is an example of the ambition being encouraged by government's focus on the rural economy.

Minister Coveney said he was encouraged to see the emphasis put on sustainability by Tirlán. "This co-op is a leader, and we need leaders right now," he told those gathered for the launch.

Chairman of Tirlán, John Murphy, lauding the success of the project, described the energy and buzz around he new building. It is probably the first work space in Ireland designed for the new hybrid working environment.

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Speaking at the official opening, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD said: “I wish to congratulate all involved in this new venture. Regional Growth and the Rural Economy are central to the Government’s policy on the regeneration of towns and cities. The location of the headquarters of Tirlán, together with the collaboration of Kilkenny County Council and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund is an example of that policy and focus.

In line with the policy priorities of the Government’s White Paper, the new Abbey Quarter places sustainability at the heart of its core values. Tirlán’s commitment to farmers and society at large as well as the wider food and nutrition sector outlines how they intend to work towards a fully sustainable future in line with the Government’s Climate Action Plan.”

Tirlán Chairman John Murphy said: “Today’s opening marks the next step on the Tirlán journey. It has been an extraordinary time in the history of our co-operative. We are delighted to say that Tirlán is 100% farmer-owned and holds strong ambitions for farm families, our people and our fantastic portfolio of nutritional products and award-winning brands. We believe the Abbey Quarter collaboration hub will be a fantastic place to work together to build an even stronger future.” 

Above: Pictured at the official opening of Tirlán’s new headquarters and collaborative hub at Abbey Quarter, Kilkenny is Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD who officiated at the opening.  Picture Dylan Vaughan.

Tirlán Chief Executive Jim Bergin said: “Our new collaboration hub is a core part of our vision for the future of our €3 billion world-class nutrition and food business. It is a symbol of our focus on working together which is enshrined in our values. Our business makes a difference to our communities, with a significant economic multiplier effect driving further local employment and prosperity. Our hub has successfully delivered flexible, blended working for our excellent employees in a sustainable workplace of the future. It is in line with our comprehensive ‘Living Proof’ sustainability strategy, which sets out clear ambitious targets and is our commitment to farming, food and the future.”

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Speaking about the Abbey Quarter development and the importance of urban regeneration, Kilkenny County Council Interim Chief Executive Seán McKeown said:

“The Abbey Quarter development is the largest regeneration project ever undertaken by the Council on the former Smithwick’s brewery site and we are proud to say that the Brewhouse building has achieved the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Standard and as such is a healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green building.

Our strategic partnership with ISIF was the first of its kind in the country and has formed a successful development blueprint for others to emulate. We believe the new quarter will be a vibrant part of the city for decades to come, with a mix of commercial, retail, residential and public spaces. We’re delighted that Tirlán had the vision to base its new collaboration hub for its future in Abbey Quarter.”

ISIF Director Nick Ashmore added: “ISIF is investing €500m in Ireland’s regional cities and urban regeneration in Kilkenny and other cities is a key element of this programme. Backing the Abbey Quarter development shows how our “double bottom line” mandate, of investing for a commercial return while supporting economic activity and employment, can help to unlock Kilkenny’s full economic potential and make it a more attractive place to invest, to create jobs, to do business and to live.

Tirlán’s new headquarters and collaboration hub are a great endorsement of Kilkenny and we wish the company great success in its new home. We look forward to continuing our work with Kilkenny County Council and making the Abbey Quarter an even bigger success.”

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Tirlán recently marked a year since it acquired the full ownership of the dairy and grain operating business, formerly known as Glanbia Ireland. The now 100% farmer-owned co-operative trades under the new identity of Tirlán. It operates as an entirely separate entity to Glanbia plc, which retains its current name.

As a blue-chip employer, Tirlán has over 2,100 employees and sales revenue of over €3 billion. From its network of over 6,000 family farms, Tirlán brings its portfolio of many of Ireland’s most loved Irish brands, such as Avonmore, Kilmeaden, Premier, Wexford, GAIN Animal Nutrition and international brands such as Truly Grass Fed, Millac and Solmiko nutritional milk proteins to customers near and far. Tirlán has a strong global market presence in the UK, France, Germany, UAE, the US, North Africa, Japan and China.