Tributes paid following death of Louth businessman Martin Naughton

Tributes have been passed, both locally and nationally, following the death of local businessman and founder of Glen Dimplex, Dr Martin Naughton.

​Mr Naughton became ill while travelling in the US with his wife Carmel, and passed away in hospital in Seattle. He is survived by his wife Carmel, children Fiona, Neil and Fergal.

Born in Dundalk in 1940, Martin Naughton was an Irish billionaire businessman and engineer who founded Glen Dimplex in 1973, which has a plant in Dunleer. He was educated at De La Salle, Dundalk.

Mr Naughton was known for his charity work, locally and nationally, with he and his wife Carmel being honoured by Pope Francis in recognition of their “outstanding philanthropy” in the areas of education and the arts.

He supported educational initiatives, donating 25 million euro to Trinity College Dublin in 2018 through the Naughton Foundation, which supports scholarship schemes for Leaving Cert students in Ireland.

The Naughton Foundation was established by Martin and Carmel Naughton in 1994. It is a private family foundation and its goal is to support worthwhile causes in the arts and education.

Locally, along with founding The Naughton Scholarships, he and his wife Carmel sponsored the development of Ice House Hill Park in Dundalk.

Tributes have poured in following the announcement of Mr Naughton’s death.

Louth County Council said: “We would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of Martin Naughton, the Louth native and founder of Glen Dimplex, who has passed away at the age of 87.

“A past pupil of De La Salle College, Dundalk, Martin built Glen Dimplex from a small operation in 1973 into one of Ireland’s most successful manufacturing companies, with plants across the world.

“Through the Naughton Foundation, he gave generously to education, the arts and young people across the island of Ireland for decades.

“Cathaoirleach, Cllr Dolores Minogue, Chief Executive, David Conway, and everyone at Louth County Council extends its deepest sympathies to his wife Carmel, their children and the wider Naughton family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Dundalk local representative, Cllr Seán Kelly, said that Mr Naughton's passing is “a profound loss for Dundalk”.

Cllr Kelly said that, “He never forgot his roots, and his generosity helped make the vision for Ice House Hill Park a reality, creating a lasting space for our community to enjoy.

"His support also extended to the De La Salle and Clan Na Gael GFC, reflecting his unwavering commitment to the people and places that shaped him. He was one of our own.

"His legacy of innovation, kindness and commitment to his hometown will be remembered with great gratitude for generations to come.

“Thank you for everything Martin and rest in peace, today our thoughts are with his wife Carmel and the family."

Provost at Trinity Dr Linda Doyle said: “Martin Naughton’s legacy at Trinity will be felt for generations to come. It’s been my great honour and privilege to have known such an inspiring and generous man.”

Tánaiste Simon Harris paid tribute to the “exceptional businessman, an incredible philanthropist and an all-round thoroughly good human being”.

“He was witty, he was sincere, he was kind, and his loss will be felt immensely by so, so many, most particularly his family.” Mr Harris said.

“As the founder of Glen Dimplex, he built one of Ireland’s great manufacturing success stories from a small operation into a global business. In doing so he created and sustained thousands of jobs.

“Beyond his business achievements, his and his wife Carmel’s philanthropy through the Naughton Foundation and their support for education, the arts, and peace on this island left a lasting mark on Irish life.

“His contribution will live on for generations and generations in our country, in his generous charitable work through the Foundation, the Naughton Scholarship, the contribution to education institutions, and of course his brilliant business legacy.”