Co-op vote confirms confidence in plan

ICOS chief executive Seamus O’Donohoe described last week’s Dairygold votes as a resounding endorsement by members of the co-op’s post-quota plan — but some of the 20% of those opposed are still looking at alternative outlets for their milk supply.

Mr O’Donohoe said members had confirmed their confidence in the board and trust in the executive management. Votes on the expansion plan were 80:20 in favour of Dairygold, with a 72:28 rejection of the DMSSG group’s motion seeking independent milk testing.

Mr O’Donohoe said: “The challenges for the society and its members, in adjusting to a freer market and more volatile market place, with less support from the EU, is not to be underestimated. The management and membership can now proceed to address these challenges on a shared basis.”