Glennon Brothers welcomes minister

During the visit to the company’s Scottish sawmill, the minister met joint managing directors, Mike and Pat Glennon and was given a tour of the timber processing facility.

Here he saw the recent investments the company has made in state-of-the-art manufacturing technology. "The minister’s visit allowed us to highlight the threat Brexit poses to the future development of the Irish forestry sector,” said Mike Glennon.

“The sector is forecast to significantly increase its output over the next decade. This growth is heavily dependent, on growing the presence of Irish timber in the UK market. Over half of the Irish sawmills output is exported and 95% of those exports go to the UK. Unfettered access to the UK market is critical if the sector is to fulfil its potential.”

“The visit allowed us to highlight the importance of the Irish forest products sector, which employs over 12,000 people, and contributes €2.3bn annually to the Irish economy,” added Pat Glennon.

“The commitment Glennon Brothers show their customers and workforce in Ireland, Scotland and across the UK is a one example of the many Irish companies who tell me that this hard won business will not be sacrificed by current uncertainties,” said Mr Breen.

“I am enormously impressed by this commitment as they continue to invest in growing both their Scottish presence and exports from Ireland.”