Food and nutrition co-operative Tirlán has opened its new headquarters and 'collaborative hub' in Kilkenny city.
The building is located in Kilkenny's Abbey Quarter development on the old Smithwick’s brewery site and its development is part of an urban regeneration initiative involving Kilkenny County Council and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund.
According to Tirlán - formerly Glanbia Ireland - the new offices are designed as "a blended workplace" in line with government aims on flexible working.
The hub has a footfall of over 650 employees a week, with its facilities and meeting rooms available for collaboration by those working across the 11 Tirlán high-tech processing facilities and 52 agri-branches throughout Ireland.
Today’s official opening was performed by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, who said regional and growth and the rural economy are "central" to the Government’s policy on the regeneration of towns and cities.
"The new Abbey Quarter places sustainability at the heart of its core values," he said.
"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 the opening marks the next step on the Tirlán journey.
"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," Mr Murphy said.
"We believe the Abbey Quarter collaboration hub will be a fantastic place to work together to build an even stronger future."
The new collaboration hub is "a core part of our vision for the future," chief-executive Jim Bergin said.
"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."
Speaking about the Abbey Quarter development and the importance of urban regeneration, Kilkenny County Council Interim Chief Executive Seán McKeown said its the largest regeneration project ever undertaken by the council.
"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," Mr McKeown said.
"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."
ISIF director Nick Ashmore said the fund is investing €500 million in Ireland's regional cities.
"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," he said.
