A Laois TD is seeking the intervention of An Taoiseach to secure the future of Leprino Foods

Laois Fine Gael TD Willie Aird has called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to make a personal intervention to help secure new investment for the Leprino Foods manufacturing facility in Portlaoise.

The plea comes ahead of the upcoming closure of the Leprino Foods Cheese Manufacturing plant in Portlaoise, which is scheduled to cease operations in the second half of 2026 - the move marks the exit of the US cheese company’s production footprint from the Republic of Ireland.

Raising the issue in a recent session of the Dáil, Deputy Aird said the closure of the plant represented a major challenge for the town but also an opportunity to attract a new company to a modern, fully equipped facility.

The facility was originally developed as a joint venture between Glanbia and the Leprino family, which is known worldwide for its mozzarella cheese production, before Leprino Foods later acquired full ownership.

Deputy Aird underscored to the Taoiseach that the site was a significant economic asset for Laois. He said:

“This is a €130 million facility with modern equipment already in place and significant taxpayer investment involved. It is a factory that is ready to operate and has the potential to support further growth in the food sector. I asked the Taoiseach to use his good offices and take a personal interest in this issue. We need the relevant Ministers, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA to work together to make sure this opportunity is not lost.” Deputy Aird believed the fact that the facility was available should make it attractive to potential investors.

Responding in the Dáil, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he would ask Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke to engage with Enterprise Ireland and the IDA on the future of the site, agreeing that it would be a shame if a use couldn't be found for such a modern facility, technologically specialised facility.