Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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451. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of employment created to date since the jobs announcement in 2019; the level of State funding provided to a company (details supplied) to create employment; the up-to-date position regarding this development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29430/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The factory in Carrickmacross was officially opened in November 2019 when the fit out of the facility was completed. Enterprise Ireland supported the company as they sought to establish themselves as an infant formula and nutritional powders manufacturer. They also supported the company in question to explore the innovation networks and ecosystem available to them in Ireland.

The company has received total funding of €492,500. €400,000 was approved under the Sustaining Enterprise Fund, €200,000 of which is repayable (€150,000 has been repaid to date) with the remainder in support of 2 key managers and a strategic consultancy grant.

Enterprise Ireland met the company CEO on March 5th 2025, and at that meeting, he confirmed the business was no longer viable in Ireland due to inflationary pressures and market conditions. As a result, the company has taken the decision to sell the plant in Carrickmacross and have appointed an Irish agent to support the sale process.

EI continues to support the company by facilitating introductions to potential buyers where appropriate. It is unclear at this point as to who the new owner or what the new operation will be.