O’Leary urges co-ops to consolidate

Irish co-ops need to consolidate to compete with commercial rivals in the marketplace, said ICOS president, Bertie O’Leary.

Mr O’Leary, who is also Dairygold chairman, told those attending the 39th ICOS National Conference, in Portlaoise, that Irish co-op members are doing themselves no favours by standing alone. Instead, he urged them to unite to enhance their ability to compete internationally.

“It is regrettable that the pace of consolidation in our dairy co-operatives has not been faster,” said Mr O’Leary. “I urge the current generation of chairmen and directors to focus more urgently on the question of rationalisation and consolidation.