LAST UPDATE | 14 Apr 2025

BUSINESSMAN, FINE GAEL politician and former Bord Gáis chief executive John Mullins has died at the age of 57.

Mullins, executive chairman of the clean energy company Amarenco, passed away suddenly overnight following an unexpected illness.

Originally from Cork city, the businessman had been residing in Castlemartyr, east Cork, in recent years.

Mullins was CEO of Bord Gáis from 2007 to 2012 and held the role of president of the Cork Chamber of Commerce from 2011 to 2013.

He also sat on the board of directors at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. From 2013 to 2018, he served as chairman of the Port of Cork board, and he previously served as president of the Cork Chamber of Commerce.

Amarenco, which he chaired, said that it was “with great sadness” that it announced his passing.

“He was a visionary entrepreneur and a passionate climate protection advocate,” a statement from the company read. “His dedication, vision, and values have left a lasting mark and will continue to guide our company into the future.”

It said that John would be missed by all within both the business and industry, and extended condolences to his family and friends.

John Mullins was co-founder and chair of clean energy company Amarenco. Amarenco Amarenco

Ibec, Ireland’s largest business representative group and lobby, described Mullins as “a highly respected entrepreneur and businessman”.

“Through his chairmanship of solar energy firm Amarenco and as CEO of Bord Gáis, he demonstrated excellence in leadership and a passion for innovation,” the group said in a statement this afternoon.

Mullins had a long-standing association with Fine Gael – he was the party’s candidate for Ireland South in last year’s European elections, having been selected to run in place of the retiring Deirdre Clune.

He received 33,281 first-preference votes but did not secure a seat in the five-seat constituency.

Later, he pursued a Fine Gael nomination to run in Cork South Central, where the party aimed to hold onto the seat previously held by former Tánaiste Simon Coveney.

However, he was not selected as a candidate, and the seat was ultimately retained by Jerry Buttimer.

Paying tribute, Buttimer said that the pair had previously played hurling together and worked alongside each other in Fine Gael.

“You could have great fun with him, great discussion,” Buttimer said.

“He was a man a huge academic prowess, but more importantly, and he was a man who was grounded, but he was just a great person that I had the privilege of knowing and working with.”

Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris led tributes this afternoon, stating that the late businessman was “motivated by a desire to do right by his native city”. 

“It was an honour to know John, to soldier with him in politics, to canvass with him and I always found it a joy to be in his company,” Harris said.

He added that John was “a true son of Cork”.

Cork city councillor Tony Fitzgerald, who knew Mullins well, similarly described him as “a great man for Cork”.

Speaking to reporters in Cork this morning, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said John made a most distinguished contribution to many facets of life across politics, public service, business and sport.

“John was a wonderfully gregarious character who had a huge impact, particularly as chief executive of Bord Gais,” he said.

He recalled great candor they had about their respective GAA teams and also a “robust discussion” they once had in Dubai about the naming of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

“But anyway, that was the kind of character he was,” said Martin who also spoke about Mullins’ “deep and abiding interest in politics”.

“I think all of us, collectively, are shocked and saddened at his passing at such a young age,” said the Taoiseach who expressed his condolences to the family.

Rob Horgan, President of Cork Chamber of Commerce, said that Mullins was “a natural leader – considered and driven by purpose”.

“John was more than a President at Cork Chamber – he was a true pillar of the wider business community. His contribution enriched the very fabric of our region,” Horgan said.

Ian Talbot, CEO of Chambers Ireland, said: “John Mullins was a visionary whose dedication and passion was unparalleled.

“His leadership and commitment to fostering business growth and collaboration will continue to inspire us all and he led from the front in promoting and developing renewable energy sources so vital to our future.

“As a prominent member and former President of Cork Chamber he displayed unwavering dedication, championing initiatives that promoted economic development and supported businesses of all sizes. His strategic insights and efforts also significantly contributed to the success of Chambers Ireland and our broader network.”

Additional reporting by Lauren Boland