Irish broiler sector supports 5,000 jobs

Broiler producers from across Ireland gathered for two important events last week, the Teagasc National Broiler Conferences, which assembled delegates in both Monaghan and Limerick over two respective days.

Opening the proceedings in Co. Monaghan on October 21, Director of Teagasc, Professor Frank O’Mara outlined the importance of the Irish broiler sector, an industry that supports 5,000 jobs built on the endeavours of approximately 420 primary producers.

“Irish broiler producers play a vital role in the production of nutritious food, meeting the growing needs and demands of Irish consumers and those further afield.

“As a nation, Irish consumers consumed 49kg of poultry meat in 2024 which accounted for almost 50% of their total meat consumption,” Professor O’Mara commented.

Due to this high level of consumption and verified by official data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ireland is only 72% self-sufficient in poultry meat production, down from 78% in 2022, thus indicating that consumption is outstripping production growth and highlighting the potential for the sector to supply a greater share of the home market.

The latter was discussed by Director of Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc, Dr. Stan Lalor who opened proceedings at the Teagasc Broiler Conference in Co. Limerick on October 24.

“Ireland produces less poultry meat than it consumes but, perhaps somewhat surprisingly, Ireland exported 88,000 tonnes of poultry meat in 2024, or 46% of our production.

“Of course, we imported a lot more than we exported at 158,000 tonnes.  While this might sound surprising at first glance, it is related to Irish consumer’s preference for breast meat, with less demand for leg meat,” Dr. Lalor commented.

Delegates at the Teagasc broiler events were also updated on Irish poultry meat production, climbing 8% in 2024 to 193,000 tonnes, reaching export markets valued at €140 million in 2024.

Despite the positives on consumption, Professor Frank O’Mara and Dr. Lalor also touched on some of the primary challenges affecting broiler producers, chiefly high investment costs, a challenging planning permission system and the threat of Avian Influenza. The latter is a huge sectorial challenge and stressor for producers that requires extreme vigilance and the implementation of strict biosecurity measures.

In recognition for his work on the EU project, Broiler Net, broiler producer, Pat Greenan (left) received a presentation from Teagasc Director, Professor Frank O’Mara and Teagasc Poultry Advisor, Rebecca Tierney at the Teagasc National Poultry Conference

Speaking after the Teagasc National Broiler Conferences, Poultry Advisor at Teagasc, Rebecca Tierney said: “These conferences equipped broiler producers with the latest information on health, welfare, profitability and generational renewal.

“Teagasc will continue to support the poultry and broiler sectors, and these conferences were just one of the many ways we hope to improve the efficiency, profitability and sustainability of primary producers.

“Like all sectors of agriculture, bringing new people into the industry will be a primary focus over the coming years. 14 people have recently completed the Teagasc Level 5 Poultry Course.

“We have also recently launched the Poultry Edge podcast that will equip poultry producers with the latest news and information, an innovation that will make it easier for producers and industry personnel to access knowledge.”

More from Teagasc Daily: New Teagasc podcast for poultry producers