Council may seek injunction to halt Dairygold move
A member of Cork County Council claimed yesterday the move was in breach of planning guidelines.
“It’s my understanding the council will seek an injunction. Dairygold has already moved in some equipment and wants to move half of the 80 staff into the business park next Monday,” said Cllr Kevin O’Keeffe.
He first raised the planning issue three weeks ago when pointing out that only airport-related or internationally-traded companies were entitled to locate in the business park. Cllr O’Keeffe said Dairygold did not fit the criteria and county manager Maurice Moloney later wrote to the company pointing out they could face enforcement proceedings .
The council last night refused to comment on Cllr O’Keeffe’s claims that it will seek an injunction today.
Last night a company spokesman said Dairygold is satisfied it is legally entitled to operate this aspect of its business from Cork Airport Business Park and has received very strong legal advice to that effect.
“In the event that an injunction is sought or legal proceedings were to arise Dairygold will deal with the issue through its legal representatives. The company is confident of a successful outcome,” the spokesman said.
It is expected the company will argue it has operations in England, Holland and the USA and that more than 75% of its products are exported.
Dairygold chief executive Jerry Henchy intends to move with his personal office staff into the park.
Other office personnel earmarked for the move include staff from group finance, human resources, information technology group and 4Home retail management.
The company proposes to move the first 40 staff into the business park on December 13 with the remaining 40 taking up occupancy by December 23.
Another 40 staff are to be centralised in a Dairygold-owned building in Mallow.
