This year marks 40th anniversary of Irish tannery closure in Waterford

This year marks a significant milestone in the history of Waterford industry.

Portlaw Heritage Centre noted that 2025 was the 200th anniversary of the launch of the local cotton mill, in 1825, however, it also noted recently that this year is also the 40th anniversary of the closure of the Irish Tanners.

One of those involved with the centre commented: "While 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the launch of the cotton mill in 1825, we also need to remember the other significant industry which impacted on our village. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the closure of the Portlaw tannery, as the gates of Irish Tanners closed for the last time in July 1985."
That closure also coincided with the closure of tanneries in Dungarvan and Carrick-on-Suir.

There was also a plant in Gorey, in County Wexford, but its closure preceded those in Waterford by six years with it closing in 1979.

"For those of us who grew up and went on to work in the factory, our lives revolved around the shifts and the factory hooter," said one of those who worked in the Portlaw site.

"As children the hooter was a reminder, at a time when we had no mobile phones, that it was time to head home from our long summer’s day adventures," he said.

"As employees, it marked the start and finish of the working day," he added, before commenting: "I entered the factory as a boy in 1977 and was one of the first made redundant in 1983. What I learned in those six years has stood to me all my life."

The Portlaw plant had been opened in September 1935 by the then Minister for Industry and Commerce, Sean Lemass, almost fifty years to the day before its closure. 

The new industry was part of the new Irish State’s efforts at the time to establish a self-sufficient industrial economy. 

As part of Heritage Week, the Portlaw Heritage Centre will use the opportunity to remember all those who worked in the tannery with a display of photographs.