The National Biorefinery Pilot Plant is located on the site of the former Lisheen Zinc and Lead Mine which had been operational since 1997, it had employed around 400 people before closing in 2015 after the ore body was exhausted.
On Thursday June 25, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon officially opened the new National Biorefinery Pilot Plant and launched the BioScaleUp Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative.
The National Biorefinery Pilot Plant has received €4.7 million in funding, while the BioScaleUp initiative is backed by €5 million through the EU Just Transition Fund.
Speaking to the Tipperary Star about the new launch, local TD Ryan O’Meara TD said: “It is a great day for Lisheen, Moyne, Templetuohy and for all of Ireland. This will put Tipperary and Lisheen at the heart of the bioeconomy and the circular economy.”
In a recent statement, TD Michael Lowry said the site was home to a number of high-value companies. “These companies are using innovative, cutting-edge technologies to grow and develop. This Government is fully committed to supporting ventures that will enable the centre to achieve its full potential.”
Clonmel-based Medite Smartply is among the first companies to use the facility, with plans to explore converting wastewater from its manufacturing operations into biogas and bioplastics.
The campus is managed by the Irish Bioeconomy Foundation and works in partnership with Tipperary County Council, University College Cork, University College Dublin's BiOrbic Research Centre and Technological University of the Shannon to support the growth of Ireland's bioeconomy sector.
5. National Biorefinery Pilot Plant in Lisheen
Martin Heydon TD and Michael Lowry TD touring the facility. | Iconic Media Photo: John Gleeson
6. National Biorefinery Pilot Plant in Lisheen
Kathriona Devereux, MC at the event. | Iconic Media Photo: John Gleeson
7. The National Biorefinery Pilot Plant in Lisheen
Ajay Menon of BiOrbic, Rama Krishna Chinnam and Namit Sikka. | Iconic Media Photo: John Gleeson
8. The National Biorefinery Pilot Plant in Lisheen
Francisco Vitor Santos da Silva, UCC; Professor Kevin O’Connor of BiOrbic and Maria Jose Sousa Gallagher, UCC. | Iconic Media Photo: John Gleeson