Eli Lilly €200m go-ahead for Kinsale plant

Eli Lilly is set to move ahead with the €200 million expansion of its Kinsale plant, in a move that will create hundreds of new jobs for Cork.

There were fears earlier in the year that the project would not proceed.

The company confirmed that the decision to expand the manufacturing site was under review in February, sparking fears that the project would be stalled as a result of President Trump’s ‘America First’ policy.

Many were concerned that the delay would be the first indication of other U.S multinational developments to follow.

However, the company has now confirmed the project has been given the go-ahead.

The company said that it is moving on "with the next phase of capacity expansion at our Kinsale manufacturing site in Co Cork".

The news is extremely positive for Cork, Fine Gael TD Tim Lombard said.

“Realistically there was doubt surrounding the expansion and that was creeping through the community.” “Eli Lilly is a major driver and it’s very, very positive news. It really shows confidence in the Kinsale site,” Mr Lombard added.

“It’s fantastic news for Cork that Eli Lilly continue to invest here,” Fianna Fail spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath said.

“They are an outstanding employer and it is a real vote of confidence in Cork as an excellent place to do business.” Fine Gael TD for West Cork Jim Daly also welcomed the decision.

“It represents a significant investment in the area and as well as that, a significant affirmation in the economy of West Cork from a global giant like Eli Lilly,” he said.

“It’s fantastic to get a good news story,” Fianna Fail Cork South West TD Margaret Murphy O'Mahony said.

“I’d like to compliment Lilly especially on their local involvement,” she added.

“The knock-on effect this will have on the local economy will be fantastic. There was doubt behind the development because of the Donald so it makes it extra special. It’s fantastic to get a good news story.”