Medical devices company in Limerick announce €3 million investment

A MEDICAL devices company in Limerick has announced a major €3 million investment aimed at significantly reducing its carbon footprint at its local facility, in a move that aligns with national climate goals.

The investment will fund a suite of renewable and energy-saving technologies at Cook Medical's Castletroy site, including a one megawatt (MW) ground-mounted solar array, 1.2MW of heat pumps, an upgrade of electronically commutated fans, and a new energy management system.

The new technologies will help to increase the operational efficiency of the facility in Castletroy,  eventually offsetting approximately 50% of carbon emissions. This project is expected to offset up to 269 tonnes of carbon annually, and over its 25-year life cycle it will remove a total of 6,725 tonnes of carbon. Coupled with the procurement of additional green energy technologies, this will result in the removal of 60% of the carbon from the Cook Ireland site.

This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. Minister for Enterprise Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said:

“For almost 30 years, Cook Medical has been present in Ireland and today’s announcement of a €3 million investment in renewable and energy-saving technologies is fantastic news. The combined plans are expected to offset 50% of their carbon emissions, which is in line with the Climate Action Plan to halve Ireland’s emissions by 2030.

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"It is really encouraging to see initiatives being taken by companies focused on carbon reduction measures, sustainability and protecting the environment for future generations. I wish Cook Medical success with these plans and all their future endeavours.”

Bill Doherty, executive vice president and managing director of Cook Medical Europe, commented: 

"We are committed to making sustainable choices across our business and reducing our impact on the environment. By integrating solar panels into our operations, we’re able to enhance our efficiency while also reducing our carbon footprint.

"The company is committed to enhancing and maintaining the biodiversity of its site and will continue to safeguard the environment in its plans. In addition to reseeding native wildflowers in all areas under construction, the company will also preserve walking tracks and spaces for wildlife."

CEO of IDA Ireland Michael Lohan added:

“This proposed project will position Cook’s Irish operations as an exemplar with its global network, and as a key location of subject matter expertise around energy management systems. Strongly aligned to the National Climate Action Plan’s Enterprise Pillar and IDA Ireland’s sustainability targets, we wish Cook Medical every success with this initiative which has far reaching potential.’’

Upon completion of this project, Cook Ireland will reduce its annual import of electricity by 19% and release that capacity back to the grid. A 70% reduction in the annual use of natural gas consumption is expected from the installation of the heat pumps.

A planning application has been submitted to Limerick City and County Council. If successful, construction on this project is expected to begin in due course.