REVEALED: Kilkenny tops list for milk payments as €300 million paid to families
Families in Kilkenny received the highest payment for milk in the country
Families in Kilkenny received over €300 million in milk payments last year, making it the most-paid county in Ireland, with Waterford in second (€262 million) and Tipperary in third (€229 million).
The figures were revealed at Tirlán's recent Annual General Meeting.
The Co-op paid out €1.7 billion for milk in 2025 across its catchment area, with €300 million of that amount going to farm families in County Kilkenny.
The AGM heard that the total revenue for the business in 2025 was €2.9 billion, 10% ahead of the previous year, with growth reported across all three categories – Ingredients, Consumer and Agribusiness.
"This performance was achieved on the back of excellent supply volumes, alongside disciplined cost and cash management. The Co-op continued to invest for long-term value creation across its Ingredients, Consumer and Agribusiness businesses, while maintaining a strong focus on supporting farm families through market volatility," Tirlán Chairperson, John Murphy, said.
Tirlán is currently investing €126 million at its Ballyragget site to expand capacity and flexibility to produce high-value whey protein ingredients, including fast-growing segments such as clear whey for lifestyle and performance nutrition.
The investment, which is due for completion in 2027, will enhance innovation, leverage Tirlán’s research and development capabilities and support long-term growth.