Laois Fine Gael TD Willie Aird has welcomed the Government’s commitment to securing a future for the Leprino Foods facility in Portlaoise.
This is following the company’s announcement in August that it will cease manufacturing operations by the second half of 2026.
In Dáil Éireann during Oral Questions to the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Deputy Aird called for urgent action to safeguard jobs and attract new investment to the state-of-the-art Leprino site.
“This facility represents a huge investment and offers opportunities for many different workforce skills.
“We need coordinated efforts to ensure it remains operational and continues to provide employment for the local community,” Deputy Aird said.
Minister Peter Burke responded, confirming that the Government, in close cooperation with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, is actively working to find a new investor for the site.
“We are working so hard with Enterprise Ireland and the IDA, looking at a prospectus for a site, because it is a highly valued building,” he explained.
“We are working really hard to get another buyer and a company into it because it provides a unique location.
“It has the infrastructure, the connectivity and the talent, and I know it is important to those 132 families who rely on those jobs in Leprino that we get a future for the site.
“We will work closely with the Deputy…to ensure that we get more services and high-value jobs and, critically, look out for the futures of those 132 families who are really dependent on the Government getting a response here,” added Deputy Burke.
The Minister emphasised that all options are being explored to ensure continuity of operations and the creation of high-value jobs.
He highlighted the importance of reducing lead times and providing certainty for potential investors.
Deputy Aird also highlighted the strategic advantages of County Laois for future investment, including its strong transport links, skilled workforce, and growing potential in manufacturing, logistics, technology, and green energy.
He urged continued engagement between the Department, Laois County Council, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, and the Local Enterprise Office to secure Laois as a priority location for next-generation foreign direct investment (FDI) sites.
“The Government’s response on Leprino demonstrates a serious commitment to safeguarding local jobs,” Deputy Aird said.
“We now need sustained effort to ensure the site remains operational and that Laois is fully prepared to attract the next wave of high-value investment.”
