Longford's Glennon Brothers invest €23m in flagship Fermoy sawmill

Pat and Mike Glennon were pleased to welcome Minister Michael Healy-Rae to their flagship sawmill in Fermoy.

Minister Healy-Rae toured the facility, met members of the team, and saw the results of the latest €23 million investment in the state-of-the-art operations.

During the visit, Glennon Brothers and Minister Healy-Rae discussed the key issues in the forestry sector, including the significant decline in afforestation rates.

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Just 1,573 hectares were planted in Ireland in 2024 - the lowest level in 70 years - compared to a Government target of 8,000 hectares annually and a Climate Action Plan goal of 18,000 hectares per year.

The meeting also aired concerns about the financial risks of continued under-planting, highlighting that ordinary taxpayers, including farmers, could ultimately bear the burden of potential fines amounting to billions of euros from the EU if Ireland fails to meet its climate change targets.

Further discussions focused on the impact of the policy shift away from commercial forestry towards hardwood planting, and its potential consequences for carbon sequestration, timber supply to the construction sector, and the long-term sustainability of rural employment.

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Minister Healy-Rae commented,“I was delighted to visit Glennon Brothers’ impressive facility in Fermoy and to see the results of their latest €23 million investment in state-of-the-art operations. This brings the company’s total investment in the plant to €80 million since 1998 - supporting not only the 135 direct employees in Fermoy, but also providing opportunities for the 65 people engaged in harvesting and haulage. This investment is a major support for rural employment and a vital boost to the local economy. I look forward to working together on common issues in the future.”

Mike Glennon, Joint Managing Director, thanked Minister Healy-Rae for taking the time to visit our flagship facility, for the opportunity to engage directly, and for his continued support of rural development and the timber industry.

Pat Glennon, Joint Managing Director, concluded, “We’ve always believed in the strength of Irish timber and the skilled people behind it. With this upgraded facility in Fermoy, we’re investing not just in cutting-edge technology, but in the long-term sustainability of Ireland’s rural economy.

“With 905 people now employed across our operations in Ireland and Scotland, we’re honoured to share this posi2tive story with Minister Healy-Rae - one that highlights the economic and environmental value forestry and timber can deliver for communities across the country.”