Talk the talk

David Darragh of Vi-Aqua, a developer of innovative water-related technology, talks to David Clerkin.

You recently launched a revolutionary new product for the gardening market. Please tell us about it.

My father and I discovered a similar technology 14 years ago in Tennessee, which was used for industrial applications. There was some talk about its potential use in horticulture, which got the better of my dad’s curiosity. So he set off on a mission to research the effectiveness and the benefits. Today I am glad he did - he has opened up a technological Pandora’s box, which will benefit the world for generations. The development programme is all Irish. Shannon Development, University of Limerick and Warrenstown Agricultural College in Co Meath not only became involved but also totally committed to the concept.

What does the product do that’s so different? What are the benefits of using it?

It mainly makes oxygen more available to efficiently break down and transport nutrients to plants. It is non-chemical and environmentally friendly.

How did sales go in the run-up to Christmas?

Quite well. As they say, there’s a lot done but more to do. Reaction to the product in general has been fantastic and pitching our awareness programme across the board has been a good move in terms of gaining general acceptance.

I understand the product has been endorsed by Kew Gardens, one of Britain’s biggest names in horticulture. How important is this and how difficult was it to get this kind of approval?

It’s very important, as no one else has it. Our project has been a major Irish effort and this kind of recognition does not come any better, other than a knighthood (which I’d be happy to consider!). Kew Gardens took some convincing, but the demands were more on our time than on effort. It was an immense achievement, but it was worth every bit and really puts the technology’s credentials where they belong.

Who are your main customers?

We’ve signed up with the K Club to help their preparations to host golf’s Ryder Cup in 2006. We also count among our customers the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, RBG Kew Food and plant producers for multiple retailers like Superquinn, Tesco and Lidl.

Where is the product made?

It’s all produced in the Shannon region.

How many people work on it? How and when did the company get started?

Between research and development, manufacture and business development, there’s a total of 10. My dad and some private investors started the company in 1995 and I became involved on a full-time basis three years ago.

How do you see the next 12 months going?

It’s going to be explosive. Britain is set up now. I have a good team there and have also entered into a strategic alliance with a top-class direct sales and retail network.