Visit to County Offaly

On 2 September, Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu, accompanied by his wife Noriko, and Mr ISHIMOTO Akihiro, First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, visited Tullamore, Co. Offaly. They had the opportunity to reunite with Mr Tony McCormack TD, a member of the Ireland-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group, and to introduce themselves to Cllr Declan Harvey, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, and amongst others.

The delegation visited Condron Concrete Works, where they toured the company’s facility, shown around by Mr John Condron, CEO, and his colleagues and family. The delegation saw how a wide range of products, including roof tiles, water pipes and paints, are manufactured using, among other technologies, industrial robots made in Japan. Condron Concrete Works was founded by the father of the current CEO and has since remained firmly rooted in the local community. Taking due consideration to eco-sustainability, the company manufactures all its products using recycled and reused materials and sells and exports them to markets across Ireland as well as to the UK and Nordic countries. At the suggestion of the current CEO to show consideration for the natural environment, the company has also made a beehive area on its premises and produces honey.

The delegation also visited the Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery in Tullamore on the same day, where they toured the facilities used to produce Irish whiskey. D.E.W., one of Ireland's leading whiskey brands sold across the world. The name D.E.W. is said to have been derived from the initials of the company's founder, Daniel Edmund Williams.

The Embassy of Japan in Ireland would like to reiterate its appreciation for the warm welcome extended during this visit to County Offaly. The Embassy will continue to grasp various opportunities, including the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland in 2027, to further deepen exchanges and strengthen ties between Japan and County Offaly.