Trade union SIPTU met today (Monday, March 9) with staff of North Cork Creameries.

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 SIPTU has not, as of yet, been formally notified by North Cork Creameries of the situation at the plant.

North Cork Creameries

Sharon Ryan, SIPTU industrial organiser, confirmed to Agriland that the trade union met with senior representatives of North Cork Creameries today.

SIPTU also had a meeting with around 60 staff members of the plant, who remain "in limbo at the moment".

Industry sources have described the recent developments as "a complete disaster for the town of Kanturk", and that, apart from the almost 100 jobs likely to be lost, some 150 indirect jobs could also be impacted.

'Devastating'

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, John Paul O’Shea has expressed his "deep sadness" over the potential loss of the jobs.

"This is a devastating blow for the workers, their families and the wider Kanturk community," deputy O’Shea said.

"My immediate thoughts are with the workers and their families who are dealing with this difficult news."

The TD said that he will be engaging with the relevant government agencies to "ensure that every possible support is put in place for the affected employees and to explore all options to safeguard employment in the region".

Carbery to process milk

A deal with Carbery Group will allow for milk from North Cork Creameries' suppliers to be processed.

With this expected to be a long-term situation, industry sources have said that this will mean impacted farmers are protected.

While the deal with Carbery Group lessens the impact for farmers, sources also pointed to the fact that North Cork Creameries also carried out contract processing for other processors.

Concern has also been expressed that the loss of the Kanturk site could impact on the dairy industry's total processing capacity during the upcoming peak milk supply season.