North Cork sugar factory site bought by local businessman

Cork County Council 'missed the bus' when it came to buying the well-known landmark, according to a local councillor

Auctioneers Lisney put the land up for sale on behalf of Greencore in 2023 with a then pricetag of €2.2m.

Cork County Council has ‘missed the bus’ in purchasing the former Irish Sugar plant on the outskirts of Mallow after it was disclosed that a well-known local businessman has beaten it to the finish line.

The revelation came as a surprise to a Mallow-based Fianna Fáil councillor who had urged senior officials to purchase the near 150-acre property, which was the country’s last sugar-processing factory until it closed by Greencore on May 12, 2006, with the loss of 240 jobs.

At a local authority meeting, Cllr Patrick Hayes said the council could acquire the site, with the financial help of the Land Development Agency (LDA), and use it “for a mix of housing, industrial development and associated community infrastructure".

“Mallow has been identified by Cork County Council and the National Planning Framework as a key growth town. Our own county development plan recognises that Mallow will continue to grow, and with that growth comes the responsibility to plan for homes, jobs and infrastructure. It’s my understanding that the site is still be available. If that is the case, I believe the council should explore every opportunity to secure this strategically important site in the public interest. The LDA has deep pockets at the moment,” Mr Hayes said.

Fianna Fáil leader on the council, Gearóid Murphy, seconded his motion, saying the site has huge potential and apart from housing, could also provide much-needed land for industry as it still has a railway spur line connecting to it.

Charleville-based Fianna Fáil councillor Ian Doyle said the region is crying out for more industrial-zoned land as all of it in his hometown is occupied.

Fine Gael councillor Tony O’Shea then interjected, saying it had already been purchased by a local businessman.

Mr O’Shea later confirmed to the Irish Examiner that the businessman is Eddie Sheehan.

He said he’d be meeting with Mr Sheehan next week to see what plans he’s got for the site, but at this stage believes it will be a mixed-use project and will definitely not include a solar farm.

Mr O’Shea went to secondary school with Mr Sheehan, who is in his early 50s.

“I’ll be meeting with him to discuss his plans, and I'll be urging the council to work with him to maximise the site's potential. I've been liaising with Greencore (the now former owners) for the last few years and keeping a close eye on it as it’s a very strategic site,” he said.

Auctioneers Lisney put the land up for sale on behalf of Greencore in 2023 with a then price tag of €2.2m.

Mr O'Shea said he knew four weeks ago from Greencore sources that the deal had finally been closed, although he doesn't know the final price paid for the land.