Tirlán Co-operative announced a €126m investment in whey processing at its facility site in Co Kilkenny. The facility is expected to be operational by the middle of 2027. Tirlán said that once operational, the facility will significantly increase its capacity and flexibility to create high-value whey-based products.

Tirlán CEO Sean Molloy said the cost of the project will be met by the co-op’s “normal cashflow” rather than from its investment fund.

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon TD speaking at the launch of the investment on Friday 14 November said: “This multi-million-euro investment in whey protein processing capability represents not just a commitment to Tirlán’s future, but to the Irish dairy industry as a whole. Whey has transformed from what was once considered just a by-product of cheese making into one of the most valuable and versatile nutritional ingredients in the world.”

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Also at the event was Hugh McGuire, CEO of Glanbia, the world’s biggest buyer of whey protein isolate. He told the Irish Farmers Journal that “the demand for whey protein isolate continues to be very robust all over the world. Tirlán are a key supplier for us and we are happy that they are increasing their capacity and we will be a happy buyer of that product.”

Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy said: “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.”

Chief Executive Seán Molloy said: “This investment enables us to diversify our product mix, ensuring we remain relevant in a changing and growing market. It will deliver a product portfolio to support our customers’ evolving needs.”