The long-vacant site of the former sugar factory in Mallow has officially changed ownership, marking a significant milestone for one of North Cork’s most prominent industrial locations.
The 145-acre site at Newberry, located approximately 3.5 kilometres southwest of Mallow town, has been sold to a buyer understood to be from the local area. The sale follows years of speculation about the future of the strategically located lands, which have remained largely unused since the factory closed almost two decades ago.
The development was highlighted during this week’s meeting of Cork County Council, where councillors discussed the future of the site and its importance to the town. It emerged that any proposal for Cork County Council to purchase part or all of the lands is no longer possible following the completion of the sale.
The former Irish Sugar processing plant ceased operations in 2006, bringing an end to more than 80 years of sugar production in Mallow and resulting in the loss of hundreds of jobs. At the time, it was the last remaining sugar beet processing facility in the country, making its closure a significant moment for both the local economy and Ireland’s agricultural sector.
Greencore placed the lands on the market in 2023 with a guide price of €2.2 million. The property, which had undergone substantial remediation works following the demolition of most of the former factory buildings, was marketed as a major development opportunity.
The lands are divided by the R619 road into two principal sections. The larger northern portion extends to more than 130 acres and includes a number of derelict residential properties together with former office and industrial buildings. Most of the site is zoned for industrial and enterprise development, while other sections are designated for residential use and green infrastructure.
Local representatives have welcomed the completion of the sale, recognising both the historical importance of the former factory and the opportunities the site now presents for future investment and development.
For many people in Mallow and across North Cork, the former sugar factory remains one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks. Since production ended, numerous redevelopment proposals have been discussed, but none ultimately progressed.
Attention will now turn to the new owner’s vision for the site. Discussions are expected to take place in the coming weeks regarding potential future development, with hopes that the lands can once again become a significant contributor to employment, investment and economic activity in the Mallow area.
