Dairygold gives assurances two key divisions will stay in Mitchelstown
Council chairman Bill Power said a delegation was given the assurances at a meeting with Dairygold chairman John Walsh and chief executive Jerry Henchy on the impact of job losses on the local community.
Dairygold, which has two milk processing sites in Mitchelstown and one each in Mallow and Mogeely, is shortly due to announce plans for the restructuring of its dairy business.
Mr Power, who was accompanied at the meeting by Jim Keane, Eamon O'Brien and Liam O'Doherty, said the delegation was given various undertakings that Milk Processing Ireland and Consumer Foods, representing 65% of the co-op's €1 billion business, will be staying in Mitchelstown.
An allied administrative structure will also be based in the town.
"We were also assured that Dairygold will not be found wanting in regard to its responsibilities to its shareholders and employees and to the towns in which it operates, including Mitchelstown."
Mr Power said the delegation laid out the community's anger and dismay over the manner in which the co-op was transferring office jobs from Mitchelstown to Cork Airport Business Park.
"We strongly impressed on them that we want the Dairygold headquarters located in Mitchelstown and stated that we are prepared to work with the co-op to ensure that this happens," he said.
Mr Power said Dairygold gave the delegation an undertaking for the third time that the co-op's chairman, vice chairman and chief executive would be available to meet with up to four representatives of Mitchelstown Business Association (MBA).
In a subsequent statement, the community council said Dairygold also outlined a wide range of activities, which the co-op is not yet in a position to publicly announce
It said it is confident these will greatly benefit the workers and people of Mitchelstown.
The council said it was also told that plans are at an early stage for the redevelopment of Dairygold's properties in Mitchelstown and Mallow, with a view to harnessing their economic and business potential. This in turn would benefit the smaller businesses of both towns.
"The meeting was frank, but cordial. Community council members were fully confident that Dairygold is on the right track and that, despite recent major setbacks, Mitchelstown would benefit in the medium term from the proposals being put forward for the town by Dairygold," it said.
Meanwhile, an estimated 300 people attended an MBA organised public meeting in Mitchelstown to discuss the Dairygold job losses. Calls were made on the co-op to retain its office jobs in the town, where it has its roots.
MBA chairman Tony Lewis said an action committee representing business, trade union and general community interests was formed at the meeting. "We were very pleased with the turnout," he said.
