Lilly's billion dollar expansion in Limerick gets the green light

LILLY’S €1bn expansion in Limerick - “against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil” - has been given the green light, the Leader has revealed.

The initial construction of the facility is well under way in Raheen, with production expected to start next year.

The American multinational pharmaceutical company announced its plan for the expansion last September. 

Once complete, Limerick will join Lilly's global manufacturing network producing the biologic active ingredients for the company's Alzheimer's disease portfolio and other biologic medicines.

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Lilly lodged planning with Limerick City and County Council for the extension on the partly-built biopharmaceutical manufacturing campus last November. 

The local authority granted conditional planning for the expansion, which includes a four-storey biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility, on May 19. 

There have been no objections to the council’s decision to An Bord Pleanala in the allotted four weeks so Lilly now has formal planning. It is understood construction will commence shortly.

It brings Lilly's total Limerick investment to $2 billion, doubling the investment the company announced in March 2023. 

 As a part of this expansion, Lilly will create another 150 jobs - on top of the original 300 - for highly-skilled workers in Limerick such as engineers, scientists, quality assurance professionals and operations personnel, bringing the total number of employees to 450.

Minister of State Niall Collins said it is a huge vote of confidence in Limerick “against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil and potential trade wars”.

“It is great to see the resilience of the pharmaceutical sector in Ireland. It is further proof that investment decisions in pharma take the long view rather than the short view,” said Mr Collins.

He spoke of the economic boost from the jobs created in the construction cycle for contractors and sub-contractors and the full-time positions when completed. 

“There is a superb pipeline of talent with students graduating from  UL and TUS,” said Mr Collins.

Mayor John Moran concurred, saying it is “another massive vote of confidence in Raheen, in our city and in our highly-educated and qualified workforce which is so important to us”.

“Lilly has already been a great partner for Limerick. This next phase of investment shows their belief in the strength of Limerick and the entire Mid-West region. 

“This means hundreds more high-quality jobs, more opportunities for our young people to build careers right here at home and a real boost for our local economy,” said Mr Moran.

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He said beyond the numbers, however, this is about what kind of future we want to build. 

“One where Limerick is not just keeping up, but leading in business, innovation and sustainability. One where we gain a reputation for doing things differently, and bringing an energy to the table that cannot be matched anywhere else. 

“A key part of the More for Limerick Mayoral Programme 2024-2029 looks to ensure multinational corporations in Limerick, like Lilly, continue to be major contributors to local development, offering high-quality jobs and participating actively in community and educational programmes. 

“I welcome this announcement as another big step in the right direction towards that ultimate aim. Well done to everyone who helped to bring this over the line. Let’s continue to deliver ‘More’ for Limerick,” concluded the mayor. Lilly has been contacted  for comment.