Independent TD Mattie McGrath has expressed his delight at the news that the C&C Group behind Bulmers cider is set to commit a significant multi-million euro investment in its Annerville site in Clonmel. Deputy McGrath went on to say that the news will end what he called a prolonged period of uncertainty around the plant’s future:
“This is a really great outcome for the town of Clonmel and indeed for the whole county, which is associated with the Bulmers brand the world over.
We knew the signs were good since The Sunday Business Post reported yesterday that C&C were lining up for a €10 million plastic bottle filling system to meet the growing demands of the British and Irish markets.
I have been in regular contact with Group CEO Stephen Glancy since 2015 when questions were raised about the future employment prospects at the plant and have visited with senior management at the Clonmel site in the intervening years.
When I found out in December of last year that C&C were announced expanded distribution and contract brewing agreements in both the UK and Ireland, then I started to get my hopes up that we might get a rock solid commitment for the workers at Clonmel and indeed for those at Borrisoleigh that were affected with the closure of Gleesons.
In any event; this is marvellous news that is to be greatly welcomed. It is also a clear sign that Tipperary can still attract significant investment in a post Brexit world where cooperation between the UK and Ireland is still so vitally important for employment,” concluded Deputy McGrath.
