Ireland is taking an important step towards strengthening its domestic food supply with the construction of a new Irish flour mill in Ballycarney, County Wexford. Slaney Flour, a joint venture between Hemelter Ireland and Ballycarney Grain Ltd., has begun work on a facility designed to produce up to 300 tonnes of flour each day.
The project is expected to bring more flour production closer to Irish bakeries and food manufacturers while supporting the country’s agricultural sector and regional economy.
Irish Flour Mill Project Aims to Reduce Import Dependence
Ireland currently imports approximately 260,000 tonnes of flour annually, with supplies coming mainly from the United Kingdom, Germany and France. Increasing domestic milling capacity could make the bakery supply chain more resilient and reduce exposure to international transport disruption, geopolitical uncertainty and extreme weather events.
The Ballycarney facility will process Irish grain for use by the bakery and wider agri-food industries. It also creates a closer connection between tillage farmers, millers, food producers and consumers.
Supporting Irish agriculture and food security
The development reflects the objectives of Food Vision 2030, which places emphasis on food security, sustainable growth and stronger links between Irish agriculture and enterprise. It may also create additional opportunities for farmers producing wheat suitable for milling.
- Up to 300 tonnes of flour production capacity per day
- A stronger domestic bakery supply chain
- Potential new markets for Irish tillage farmers
- Investment and economic activity in County Wexford
Slaney Flour Combines Local Grain Expertise with International Milling Experience
Hemelter Ireland is part of the family-owned Hemelter Mühle group, which has milled flour in Germany since 1892. The company has supplied Irish bakeries for more than two decades and currently provides approximately 40,000 tonnes of flour each year. It operates five milling sites across Germany and Poland.
Ballycarney Grain is operated by brothers Andrew and Raymond Kavanagh from their family tillage farm. The business sources, dries and stores grain from about 150 farmers across the South-East and provides agronomy support from seed selection through to harvest.
Enterprise Ireland is supporting the project as part of its work with indigenous companies seeking to start, expand and scale. The Irish bakery sector has an annual turnover of approximately €1.1 billion, making reliable flour supplies strategically important for food businesses.
Read more: Irish business and enterprise news
Government Welcomes Wexford Food Infrastructure Investment
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke described the development as a milestone for Ireland’s indigenous food sector, highlighting its potential to improve supply-chain resilience and competitiveness.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon said the project could support food security, create opportunities for tillage farmers and help more Irish wheat become Irish flour. Minister James Browne said the investment represented confidence in Ballycarney and the wider Wexford region, reinforcing its role in food production, processing and innovation.
Enterprise Ireland Executive Director Mark Christal said the sod-turning marked a significant investment in Ireland’s food infrastructure and would benefit the South-East and the wider indigenous food sector.
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What the New Mill Means for Ireland
Named after the River Slaney, Slaney Flour is rooted in the Wexford farming community and aims to serve customers across Ireland. Its development illustrates how local agricultural knowledge, private investment, international expertise and public-sector support can combine to deliver major regional projects.
Construction now marks the beginning of a new phase for Irish flour milling. Once operational, the facility is expected to give bakeries and food producers a more locally connected source of flour while strengthening links across the agri-food chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the new Irish flour mill being built?
The mill is being built in Ballycarney, County Wexford.
Who is developing Slaney Flour?
Slaney Flour is a joint venture between Hemelter Ireland and Ballycarney Grain Ltd.
How much flour will the facility produce?
The planned mill will have production capacity of 300 tonnes per day.
Why is domestic flour production important?
More production in Ireland could reduce dependence on imported flour and improve resilience against supply, weather and geopolitical risks.
Key takeaway: The new Irish flour mill in Ballycarney represents a significant investment in food security, Irish agriculture and regional enterprise, bringing more flour production closer to the businesses and communities it serves.
Article/Image Courtesy: Enterprise Ireland
