Liffey Mills new Agri Superstore in Ennis was officially opened on Friday by Michael Creed TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and by Pat Breen TD, Minister for State for Employment and Small Business.
Also in attendance were the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Bill Chambers, Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Ann Norton, local public representatives and members of the farming organisations and communities.
Liffey Mills, one of Ireland’s largest animal feed manufacturers and agri-merchants, has expanded west-ward to Ennis, Co. Clare bringing a new concept of agri-retailing to the facility at Ballymaley Business Park, on the old Gort Road, near Barefield.
Minister Creed acknowledged the innovative work and foresight of Liffey Mills in opening such a fine facility in Ennis, providing a very valuable service to the farming community of the area. ‘It is always heartening as Minister to see progress and new services in farming developing throughout the country. The brand new facility at Ballymaley, in Ennis can only bring added value for the farmers of Co. Clare and beyond and be a supportive service to them,’ he said.
According to Pat Ryan, Managing Director of Liffey Mills, the Ballymaley facility is an exciting development for the company, bringing an ultra-modern store to Ennis with a strong professional advisory support service for clients and customers, backed by a seventy year old tradition.
‘We look forward to becoming fully integrated into the local farming landscape and community of Clare, south Galway and the wider region. Our staff are highly qualified with a thorough understanding and experience of the agri-business. Most have high-level academic qualifications, hands-on training and relevant experience to maximise the opportunities and profits for the customer,’ he said.
The new multi-million investment includes a 25,000 sq.ft. of retail/warehouse, bulk and fertiliser feed collection facilities and a weigh bridge. It currently employs 8 full-time, 3 part-time staff and expects to grow with the business in the medium-term. It is located on a 2 acre site in open pasture land within earshot of the bustle and hum of Ennis and close to a community of diverse business outlets and offices at Ballymaley Business Park.
Pat Breen TD, Minister for Employment and Small Business congratulated Liffey Mills on its new Agri-store. ‘Not only does it provide direct employment for 11 people but it also provides a huge vote of confidence in our local farming and agri-business sector,’ he said.
Liffey Mills is the biggest independent buyer of native grain in the country. It has grown its business model on the supply of seed grain to growers, provision of the most suitable fertilisers and chemicals and the purchase back of that grain to manufacture superior quality Irish animal feed. It also offers advice on soil management and crop production. The ‘seed to feed’ concept gives the ultimate in traceability and performance on the farm.
The team at Liffey Mills Agri Super Store is led by Newmarket-on-Fergus man, John Meehan, who has many years of experience in the agri-feed business at retail and wholesale level, and is also a well-known Limousin breeder. Other Liffey Mills Agri-Stores are located in Athy, Nenagh, Shinrone and Banagher with its headquarters based in Roscrea.
All photos by Eamon Ward
