Teagasc marked the start of construction on the Padraig Walshe Centre for Sustainable Animal and Grassland Research at Moorepark, today, Thursday, 12 February 2026. A €6 million contribution made by FBD Holdings plc, FBD Trust CLG and Farmer Business Developments plc matched by €6 million funding provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will support the development of the new centre, which will be named in honour of the late Padraig Walshe.
The new Centre will provide state-of-the-art laboratory and animal metabolism facilities to support research aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient losses from grassland-based livestock systems, improving productivity and resilience, and enhancing the environmental sustainability and competitiveness of Ireland’s agri‑food sector. With construction now under way, Teagasc will work closely with the contractors and stakeholders to develop new facilities that can translate research into practical solutions for farmers, industry and policy makers.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD said: “I welcome the start of construction at Moorepark and thank FBD and its partners for their significant support for public‑sector research. This facility will strengthen Ireland’s capacity to develop and deliver practical solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient losses while protecting farm incomes and competitiveness. The work here will be central to meeting our climate and water‑quality objectives and to ensuring a sustainable future for our agri‑food sector.”
Michael Berkery, Chairman of FBD Trust CLG, said: “FBD Trust is delighted to support Teagasc in this venture. The research at Moorepark aligns with the Trust’s objectives to advance the interests of Irish farm families and the wider farming sector, delivering practical benefits for sustainable farming. We look forward to seeing the benefits flow to rural communities.”
Tómas Ó Midheach, Chief Executive of FBD Holdings plc, said: “FBD is proud to support this important project and to see construction begin. The research enabled by this Centre will help advance climate‑related solutions for farming. At FBD Insurance we believe it is essential to support practical, science‑based work that helps farmers meet the emissions reduction challenges ahead.”
Pat Murphy, Chairman of Farmer Business Developments plc, said: “We are pleased to support the Centre and proud that it will bear the name of our late colleague Padraig Walshe. Padraig was a pioneering grass‑based dairy farmer who championed innovation and research. It is fitting that this facility will carry forward that legacy.”
Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc Director, said: “The start of construction at Moorepark is an important milestone. The new laboratory and animal metabolism facilities will allow Teagasc to undertake the mechanistic, in-depth research needed to develop solutions that are suitable for widespread adoption in grass-based systems. This new Centre creates the capacity for mission critical studies that will deliver tangible benefits to farmers, industry, and policy makers, helping to reduce emissions, improve nutrient efficiency and productivity and support a competitive and sustainable agri food sector in Ireland.”
The design contract was awarded to CJ Falconer and Associates Architects. Conack Construction has been awarded the contract to construct the laboratory building and Donnelly Civil Engineering Limited will construct the Animal Metabolism facility.