Tirlán co-op today (Friday, July 31) said it has acquired three pharmacies in Counties Carlow and Kilkenny.

The co-op had already operated one pharmacy in Campile, Co. Wexford.

The three pharmacies which Tirlán has now acquired, based in Thomastown, Ballyhale and Borris, will join the co-op’s healthcare portfolio.

According to Tirlán this latest investment supports its "diversification into complementary sectors".

It has highlighted today that this underlines the co-op's "strong connections with the rural communities" where its members live and work.

Tirlán confirmed that the three pharmacies it has acquired will continue trading under the "Kissane’s brand".

The co-op said that it believes the investment "will help ensure the continued delivery of accessible, high-quality healthcare services in smaller towns and villages".

According to the co-op this is "an essential part of sustaining vibrant rural communities".

Tirlán chief agri officer, Ailish Byrne, also said the latest acquisitions will improve efficiencies across its pharmacy operations.

The co-op currently operates 52 agri retail branches across the south and east, including 15 CountryLife Home and garden lifestyle stores.

The co-operative emphasised that maintaining local access to essential services remains a key priority, particularly in rural Ireland where community infrastructure is vital to quality of life.

According to Tirlán it has funded its latest pharmacy acquisition through "internal resources".

The co-op today said that this acquisition "further strengthens Tirlán Agri’s long-term commercial position and reflects its continued focus on investing in opportunities that align with its purpose, strategy and the needs of its members".

Tirlán

Separately last month the co-op confirmed that it paid a total of €2.3 million to its members through a combination of share interest (dividends) and additional payments from its member distribution reserve.

More than 10,000 co-op members received the payments into their bank accounts this week, representing a total return of 8.4c per co-op share.

On average, a Tirlán milk supplier shareholder received €244 from the combined payments.