New Chapter for Irish Flour Milling as Sod Turned on Major Wexford Development

A new chapter in Ireland's flour milling industry has begun following the official turning of the sod on a major new facility in Ballycarney, County Wexford.

The ceremony, held on Thursday, October 8th, marks a significant milestone for Slaney Flour, a joint venture between Hemelter Ireland and Ballycarney Grain Ltd, operated by Wexford brothers Andrew and Raymond Kavanagh.

The development, previously reported as an investment of more than €50 million, has the potential to provide new opportunities for Irish tillage farmers, create local employment and reduce the country's reliance on imported flour.

The planned facility will combine international milling expertise with generations of Wexford farming and grain-handling experience.

New Opportunities for Wexford Growers

At the heart of the project is an ambition to create a stronger connection between Irish grain growers, flour producers and bakeries.

Slaney Flour says Wexford growers are already demonstrating the potential to produce high-quality Irish milling wheat, opening up opportunities for farmers interested in supplying the domestic flour market.

However, the facility will not rely exclusively on Irish-grown grain.

Imported wheat will complement locally produced wheat to ensure the mill can meet the different flour requirements of bakeries and food producers.

This approach is designed to provide a dependable supply of flour while creating an additional market for Irish tillage farmers.

Reducing Ireland's Dependence on Imported Flour

Ireland's baking industry currently relies heavily on imported flour, leaving domestic food production exposed to international supply pressures.

Slaney Flour aims to address that vulnerability by bringing more flour production back onto Irish soil.

The company says the new mill will support a more resilient supply chain, allowing Irish bakeries and food manufacturers to source flour from a domestic production facility.

The project will also focus on efficient milling, traceability and the production of wheat bran for use in animal feed.

A Partnership Built on Experience

Ballycarney Grain is operated by brothers Andrew and Raymond Kavanagh, who have extensive experience in growing, drying and storing grain and have established strong relationships with local farmers.

Their partners, Hemelter Ireland, are part of the family-owned German Hemelter Mühle group, bringing established milling expertise, technical knowledge and experience supplying Irish bakers.

Together, the two businesses aim to establish a modern flour milling operation rooted in County Wexford but serving customers throughout Ireland.

Named after the River Slaney, the new business reflects its strong connection to Ballycarney and the surrounding farming community.

Investment in Wexford's Agricultural Future

Beyond flour production, the development is expected to create opportunities for local employment, agricultural suppliers and associated businesses.

The mill will use modern equipment and established milling expertise to produce consistent flour for bakeries and food manufacturers.

Speaking on South East Radio's Morning Mix ahead of the ceremony, Irish Farmers Journal journalist Pat O'Toole highlighted the significance of the investment for the Irish tillage sector.

The development comes amid renewed efforts to strengthen domestic grain production and food security.

For County Wexford, which has a long tradition of tillage farming, the project represents an opportunity to connect that agricultural heritage with a modern food-processing industry.

Thursday's sod-turning ceremony marks an important step towards making that ambition a reality.

Further information about the development is available at www.slaneyflour.ie.