Kerry Dairy Ireland Transfers Redbrick Building to St. Joseph’s Foundation
Kerry Dairy Ireland has officially transferred ownership of Charleville’s historic Redbrick building to St. Joseph’s Foundation, a pivotal organisation serving individuals with intellectual disabilities in North Cork and South Limerick. This agreement symbolises a shared commitment to community development and long-standing collaboration between the two organisations.
As a local landmark, the Redbrick building has played an integral role in Charleville’s industrial heritage. With its transfer to St. Joseph’s Foundation, the building will now serve as a vital hub for enhancing care and services, contributing to the Foundation’s mission of supporting individuals and families across the region. This collaboration highlights how community-focused initiatives can foster social cohesion and promote sustainable regional development.
St. Joseph’s Foundation and Its Mission
Founded in 1968, St. Joseph’s Foundation has been at the forefront of providing care and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities, currently assisting over 1,300 children and 400 adults alongside their families. The organisation’s mission is to empower individuals to live fulfilling lives, enabling them to reach their full potential.
Over the years, St. Joseph’s Foundation has significantly expanded its services, introducing pre-schools, sheltered workshops, and a variety of community-based programmes to meet evolving needs. Their commitment extends beyond individual care to fostering environmental sustainability, as exemplified by their Green Flag achievement for marine environment conservation. This dedication underscores their holistic approach to creating a better future for those they serve.
Kerry Dairy Ireland’s Support and Legacy
Kerry Dairy Ireland has a rich history of supporting St. Joseph’s Foundation. The Redbrick building, originally constructed in 1948 as the Golden Vale cheese factory, stands as a testament to Charleville’s industrial evolution. Acquired by Kerry Group in 2001, it served as an administrative hub until 2022, symbolising decades of innovation and community contribution.
The transfer of the Redbrick building reflects Kerry Dairy Ireland’s ongoing commitment to fostering partnerships that drive positive change. From landmark donations like the Redbrick building to broader initiatives that empower communities, Kerry Dairy Ireland continues to demonstrate its dedication to local well-being.
Impact on the Community
The acquisition of the Redbrick building represents a significant step forward for the Charleville community. St. Joseph’s Foundation plans to use the building to expand its services, directly benefiting the many children and adults who depend on their care. By increasing capacity and introducing new programmes, the Foundation will strengthen its ability to address the diverse needs of its service users.
This partnership builds on Kerry Dairy Ireland’s longstanding commitment to Charleville, which extends beyond social care to economic development. For instance, the opening of the state-of-the-art Cheestrings facility in Charleville has not only increased production capacity by 50% but also created 60 new jobs, helping strengthen the local economy. Together, these initiatives exemplify how strategic investments can drive both community support and regional growth.
Michael Hegarty, CEO of St. Joseph’s Foundation, highlighted the significance of the acquisition:
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Kerry Dairy Ireland for their vital support in securing the Red Brick in Charleville for St. Joseph’s Foundation. This partnership, grounded in our mutual commitment to rural Ireland, ensures that our joint efforts will benefit Charleville and the wider region for decades to come. This milestone in the history of the Foundation allows us to advance a significant project that will enhance services for individuals with disabilities and their families.”
This partnership sets a precedent for how local businesses can drive social and economic progress. By investing in community care, Kerry Dairy Ireland demonstrates a commitment to values that go beyond business success, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in achieving shared goals.
Significance of the Agreement
The transfer of the Redbrick building marks a transformative milestone for both Kerry Dairy Ireland and St. Joseph’s Foundation. This collaboration aligns with the Foundation’s mission to expand its capacity to provide essential services and resources for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Speaking on the agreement, Pat Murphy, CEO of Kerry Dairy Ireland, expressed pride in the partnership:
“We are immensely pleased to see St. Joseph’s Foundation, an organisation we hold in high regard, become the new custodians of the Redbrick building. Their dedication to enhancing the lives of individuals and families within our community is unparalleled, and we are confident that this new chapter will only amplify their remarkable work.”
This agreement is more than a symbolic transfer of ownership — it is a reflection of shared values and a collective vision for the future of Charleville and the wider community.
Conclusion
The transfer of Charleville’s iconic Redbrick building to St. Joseph’s Foundation represents a transformative partnership between two organisations deeply rooted in their community. By providing a historic space for expanded care and services, Kerry Dairy Ireland reaffirms its commitment to fostering local well-being and supporting initiatives that leave a lasting positive impact.
St. Joseph’s Foundation, with its long-standing dedication to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities, is uniquely positioned to maximise the potential of this new facility. This collaboration demonstrates how shared values and strategic partnerships can address pressing community needs while preserving cultural and historical landmarks.
As the Redbrick building embarks on its new chapter, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to creating a brighter future.