Cork and Kerry accounted for 31% of Irish milk output last year

This makes it the largest milk-producing region in the state.

The south-west, Cork and Kerry, with its high concentration of intensive dairy farming, "saw its intermediate consumption costs rising by 38% and as a result, had just a 21% increase in its operating surplus to €1.1bn in 2022". 

Cork and Kerry accounted for 31% - €1.6bn - of Irish milk output in 2022, making it the largest milk-producing region in the state, according to new CSO figures released on Thursday.

Milk generated 55% of the region’s agricultural output last year.