North Cork Creameries is being urged to "make every effort possible to save the business".

Local councillor Bernard Moynihan has said he is "very concerned" about the staff.

Workers at North Cork Creameries were informed last week by management there that their jobs at the plant in Kanturk, Co. Cork are at risk.

This is because 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.

Up to 100 jobs could be lost at the plant. It is understood trade union SIPTU has not, as of yet, been formally notified by North Cork Creameries of the situation at the plant.

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

SIPTU representatives are seeking an urgent meeting with senior management at North Cork Creameries.

Some local sources have told Agriland they are hopeful a solution can be found to the situation that would avoid the closure and job losses.

Engagement

Fianna Fáil councillor Bernard Moynihan said he is concerned about the potential loss of up to 100 jobs.

He said the staff are "excellent workers" who have given "many years of service".

"They genuinely don't know what's happening," he said.

He is urging North Cork Creameries to undertake "serious engagement with staff and to make every effort possible to save the business".

He added that a closure of the Kanturk plant would be a "huge blow" to the area with a "knock-on" effect for other local businesses in terms of spending.

'Devastating'

Cork North West TD Aindrias Moynihan said it is a "devastating blow for everybody involved, between the staff, the farmers and the local community".

"My thoughts are very much with people who are losing their jobs now," the deputy said.

"This is an indigenous industry based on the quality produce of local family farms and I don’t think people would have expected things to go like this."

A deal with Carbery Group that would allow for milk from North Cork Creameries' suppliers to be processed has been welcomed.

Deputy Moynihan told Agriland that "it is good there is cooperation with another co-op to keep the supply going".

Cork North West TD John Paul O’Shea said in recent days that he would be engaging with the relevant government agencies "to ensure that every possible support is put in place for the affected employees".