Lilly Limerick: Innovation, sustainability, and community in the heart of the Mid-West

JUST two years after breaking ground in Raheen, Eli Lilly and Company’s cutting-edge Limerick facility has already become a visible part of the landscape. Its impact is being felt far beyond the construction site — not just in global pharmaceutical circles, but right across the Mid-West.

From rapid development and job creation to sustainability, community and education partnerships, this landmark project is setting new standards in the region and beyond. 

Located on a greenfield site, the state-of-the-art biologics campus is on track to become one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities of its kind globally. Once operational, it will make active pharmaceutical ingredients for some of Lilly’s newest medicines, for millions of people worldwide.

Uniquely, the facility will operate as a fully digital site, using advanced automation, real-time data, and smart technology to ensure unmatched efficiency, safety, and quality.

Sustainability has been front and centre from day one. Lilly Limerick is being built to run with 35% lower energy intensity, use 40% less water, and generate 15% less waste compared to traditional biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes. Several projects are in progress to support carbon sequestration and climate resilience, aligning with Lilly’s global 2030 environmental goals.

Education and community partnerships are central to the project. Already developing strong ties to University of Limerick and Technological University of the Shannon, the site benefits from direct access to a highly skilled pipeline of next-generation STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) talent.

Simultaneously, Lilly is investing in its community—most recently through a collaboration with Family Carers Ireland, helping support the well-being of those providing vital unpaid care across the country.

As well as financial contribution, employees from Lilly’s Limerick and Cork sites are also encouraged to volunteer, directly supporting carers who provide over 19 million hours of unpaid care weekly across Ireland.

During construction, Lilly has prioritised working with local suppliers and continues to recruit from within the region, strengthening the Mid-West’s economy and supply chain.

“We’re building more than a manufacturing site—we’re building a legacy of innovation, sustainability, and community partnership,” said Dave Riordan, Vice President and Site Head at Lilly Limerick.

As the Limerick site takes shape, it stands as a model for how global innovation can deliver local impact—creating life-changing medicines while uplifting local communities.

To become part of Lilly's team visit their Careers page or join Lilly’s Talent Community.

You can also follow Eli Lilly and Company UK & Ireland on LinkedIn, check out their website, or follow them on Instagram @elilillyco.