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Tirlán has unveiled plans for a €126 million investment in a new state-of-the-art whey processing facility at its Ballyragget site in Kilkenny.

According to the company, the development marks a major step in its value-add strategy, expanding its whey processing capacity and product innovation capabilities.

The facility will produce an advanced nutritional whey protein portfolio, including clear whey protein, which Tirlán said is increasingly popular among lifestyle consumers. Once operational, it will increase the company’s capacity and flexibility to create high-value whey-based products.

The announcement was made at an event in Ballyragget attended by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon. He said the investment represents a commitment to both Tirlán and the wider Irish dairy industry, highlighting the growing international demand for whey ingredients across sports nutrition, lifestyle products, infant formula and medical nutrition.

Tirlán chairperson John Murphy commented: “Today’s €126 million investment is a real vote of confidence in the Irish dairy sector and in the world-class team here in Ballyragget. This is our largest value-add investment ever – a bold step forward in our journey to move further up the value chain."

He continued: “This project isn’t just about building capacity, it’s about creating a platform for long-term growth, innovation and global leadership in whey protein nutrition. This is how we turn consumer demand into sustainable opportunity."

“Ballyragget is already one of Europe’s largest integrated dairy processing sites, and this development will position Tirlán at the forefront of global nutritional protein innovation. It reflects our financial strength and long-term commitment to creating more value for our suppliers, customers and rural communities."

The new facility will be water neutral and carbon efficient, and is expected to be operational by mid-2027.

Tirlán said its farmer-owned co-operative network generated €5.5 billion in economic activity in 2022, supporting over 19,200 direct and indirect jobs and paying more than €2 billion to over 5,000 farm families.