'Blazing a trail': Kilkenny business completes new investment, looks to explore more automation
Goatsbridge Trout Farm has undergone significant expansion, increasing production from approximately 230 tonnes per year to more than 600 tonnes annually
Goatsbridge Trout Farm has completed a €138,000 investment aimed at boosting production of premium trout to fill a growing demand in Irish and overseas markets.
The Kilkenny-based family business is focusing on higher-value trout products and improved processing efficiency as part of its long-term growth strategy. The latest investment follows the completion last year of a major extension to the company’s factory in Thomastown.
The investment was supported by a €64,000 grant under the Seafood Processing Capital Investment Scheme, funded through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. The programme is administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency.
“Goatsbridge Trout Farm has been blazing a trail in terms of innovation in recent years, and this investment will support its strategy to meet growing demand for higher-value trout products,” said Interim CEO of BIM, Richard Donnelly.
“It also highlights the positive impact of EMFAF funding in helping aquaculture businesses become more resilient and sustainable.”
The business, established in 1965 and run by husband-and-wife team Mags and Ger Kirwan, is Ireland’s largest freshwater trout producer and one of the country’s long-established aquaculture enterprises.
Over the past decade, Goatsbridge has undergone significant expansion, increasing production from approximately 230 tonnes per year to more than 600 tonnes annually following the acquisition of farming sites in County Wicklow.
The company now operates six sites and employs more than 34 staff across the full production chain from fish farming to processing, packaging and distribution.
“This investment allows us to fully utilise the raw material we produce and add greater value through our processing operations,” said Mags Kirwan.
“By focusing on higher-margin products and improving operational efficiency we are strengthening the long-term sustainability of the business while continuing to grow the Goatsbridge brand both in Ireland and internationally.”
Goatsbridge is also progressing plans to introduce further automation in its processing operations to increase capacity while maintaining the company’s strict food safety and quality standards.
The company was the first fully fledged seafood member of Ireland’s national sustainability programme, Origin Green, achieving Gold Member status. It also holds internationally recognised certifications including GlobalG.A.P. and BRC Global Standards.
Goatsbridge products are currently sold through leading Irish retailers and international partners including Sainsbury's and Ocado, with smaller volumes going into markets in France and the UAE.