Legacy of Laois farming 'pioneer' to be honoured at new Teagasc Centre

A new Teagasc research centre will be a fitting way to carry on the legacy left by the late pioneering farmer Padraig Walshe.

So said the chairman of Farmer Business Developments, Pat Murphy, following the start of construction on the Padraig Walshe Centre for Sustainable Animal and Grassland Research at Moorepark in Co Cork.

Teagasc say a €6 million contribution made by FBD Holdings plc, FBD Trust CLG and Farmer Business Developments plc matched by €6 million funding provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, will support the development of the new centre, which will be named in honour of the Durrow farmer who was also a former President of the IFA.

A statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live said the new Centre will provide state-of-the-art laboratory and animal metabolism facilities to support research aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient losses from grassland-based livestock systems. Teagasc say it should also contribute to improving productivity and resilience, and enhancing the environmental sustainability and competitiveness of Ireland’s agri‑food sector.

With construction now underway, Teagasc says it will work closely with the contractors and stakeholders to develop new facilities that can translate research into practical solutions for farmers, industry and policy makers.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, travelled to Moorepark for the official launch.

“I welcome the start of construction at Moorepark and thank FBD and its partners for their significant support for public‑sector research. This facility will strengthen Ireland’s capacity to develop and deliver practical solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient losses while protecting farm incomes and competitiveness. The work here will be central to meeting our climate and water‑quality objectives and to ensuring a sustainable future for our agri‑food sector,” said Mr Heydon.

Pat Murphy, Chairman of Farmer Business Developments plc, commented on the Laois man it is being named after.

“We are pleased to support the Centre and proud that it will bear the name of our late colleague Padraig Walshe. Padraig was a pioneering grass‑based dairy farmer who championed innovation and research. It is fitting that this facility will carry forward that legacy,” he said.

READ NEXT: Memory Lane PICTURES Fabulous night at Laois farm celebration

Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc Director, spoke about the purpose it will serve.

MORE BELOW PHOTO OF Padraig Walshe.

“The new laboratory and animal metabolism facilities will allow Teagasc to undertake the mechanistic, in-depth research needed to develop solutions that are suitable for widespread adoption in grass-based systems. This new Centre creates the capacity for mission-critical studies that will deliver tangible benefits to farmers, industry and policy makers, helping to reduce emissions, improve nutrient efficiency and productivity and support a competitive and sustainable agri-food sector in Ireland,” he said.

Michael Berkery, Chairman of FBD Trust CLG, said the Trust is delighted to support Teagasc in this venture.

“The research at Moorepark aligns with the Trust’s objectives to advance the interests of Irish farm families and the wider farming sector, delivering practical benefits for sustainable farming. We look forward to seeing the benefits flow to rural communities,” he said.

Tómas Ó Midheach, CEO of FBD Holdings plc, said FBD is proud to support.

READ ALSO: Laois councillors reject Government stance on resignation of Bord Bia Chair

“The research enabled by this Centre will help advance climate‑related solutions for farming. At FBD Insurance, we believe it is essential to support practical, science‑based work that helps farmers meet the emissions reduction challenges ahead,” he said.

The launch in Fermoy was attended by: Jim Bergin, Chair of FBD Holdings Plc; Liam Herlihy, Chairman of Teagasc; Pat Murphy, Chairman of Farmer Business Developments Plc; Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Professor Frank O'Mara, Director of Teagasc; Ella Walshe, Co. Laois; Tomás Ó Midheach, CEO of FBD Holdings Plc; and Michael Berkery, Chairman of FBD Trust.

The design contract was awarded to CJ Falconer and Associates Architects. Conack Construction has been awarded the contract to construct the laboratory building and Donnelly Civil Engineering Limited will construct the Animal Metabolism facility.