North Cork Creameries has announced the appointment of a new CEO.

Stephen Daly will take over from Michael Cronin who has served as interim CEO in recent months.

Daly has worked in dairy operations and commercial roles at the co-op for the past 13 years.

Chairperson of North Cork Creameries, Thomas O’Donoghue acknowledged the contribution made by Michael Cronin, noting that his work has "provided the board with a detailed assessment of all business matters".

Position

O’Donoghue said the appointment of Stephen Daly "represents an important step as the co-op addresses its strategic and operational position".

He emphasised the co-operative’s "strong milk pool as a key strength in all future developments".

“The board remains committed to ensuring that all decisions are focused on securing a sustainable future for farm families and the important role that the co-operative plays in the regional dairy economy," O'Donoghue said.

“The board is guided by the long-term interests of the co-operative’s members and milk suppliers, our employees, customers and the wider community that the co-operative has served for generations.

"All of these matters are being approached with sensitivity as we evaluate available opportunities.”

O’Donoghue expressed appreciation to neighbouring co-ops for "their solidarity and support, and to milk suppliers and employees, as North Cork Creameries continues to assess operational matters and options for milk processing".

North Cork Creameries

This is the latest development regarding North Cork Creameries.

This week, it emerged that a proposed deal with Carbery Group is, as it currently stands, not proceeding, Agriland understands.

It had been proposed for Carbery Group to take and process some of the milk supplied to North Cork Creameries.

The move came as the plant has been forced to cease processing activity, after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suspended the dairy business' licence to discharge water from its wastewater treatment plant.

Sources close to the Kanturk co-op said that as it stands, the deal with Carbery is not proceeding.

This development would place the co-op in a difficult position and without a deal, there is uncertainty as to what will happen with the milk North Cork Creameries takes in.

It is unclear as to what the future direction of the co-op will be.

Potential job losses

Trade union SIPTU has said it intends to engage with North Cork Creameries "to explore alternatives to the proposed job losses".

Workers were informed last week by management there that their jobs at the plant are at risk.

Up to 100 jobs could be lost at the plant.

SIPTU representatives are seeking an urgent meeting with senior management at the co-op.

SIPTU organiser, Sharon Ryan said: “Our immediate concerns are with our members and their families who are only beginning to come to terms with the possible loss of their livelihoods."