Philanthropist and businessman Martin Naughton has died aged 87.
Mr Naughton was the founder of Glen Dimplex, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of domestic heating appliances, headquartered in Co Dublin with facilities in the UK, Europe, the US and China.
He was known for his charity work, with he and his wife Carmel being honoured by Pope Francis in recognition of their “outstanding philanthropy” in the areas of education and the arts.
In 2007, Mr Naughton donated £1 million to Belfast’s Lyric Theatre, which was said at the time to be the single biggest personal gift ever made to an arts organisation in Northern Ireland.
He also supported educational initiatives, donating 25 million euro to Trinity College Dublin in 2018 through the Naughton Foundation, which supports scholarship schemes for Leaving Cert students in Ireland.
Tributes have been paid to Martin Naughton (PA)
Provost at Trinity Dr Linda Doyle said: “Martin Naughton’s legacy at Trinity will be felt for generations to come.
“It’s been my great honour and privilege to have known such an inspiring and generous man.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris paid tribute to the “exceptional businessman, an incredible philanthropist and an all-round thoroughly good human being”.
“He was witty, he was sincere, he was kind, and his loss will be felt immensely by so, so many, most particularly his family.” Mr Harris said.
“As the founder of Glen Dimplex, he built one of Ireland’s great manufacturing success stories from a small operation into a global business.
“In doing so he created and sustained thousands of jobs.
“Beyond his business achievements, his and his wife Carmel’s philanthropy through the Naughton Foundation and their support for education, the arts, and peace on this island left a lasting mark on Irish life.
“His contribution will live on for generations and generations in our country, in his generous charitable work through the Foundation, the Naughton Scholarship, the contribution to education institutions, and of course his brilliant business legacy.”
