Fears for the future of North Cork Creameries plant in Kanturk
It is understood that a multi-million euro investment would be required to resolve the issue.
Fears are growing for the future of North Cork Creameries’ milk processing facility in Kanturk, which employs up to 100 people.
The plant was ordered last month by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to stop discharging effluent from the site into the River Allow due to ongoing non-compliance with Emission Limit Values.
With the effluent plant offline, North Cork Creameries cannot process milk at the site. It is understood that a multi-million-euro investment would be required to resolve the issue.
There are now fears the plant could close, with up to 100 jobs at risk.
North Cork Creameries met staff yesterday and suppliers today to inform them of the situation. However, the company has not yet begun the formal redundancy process.
The Carbery Group is currently processing some of the milk for North Cork Creameries. A potential agreement could see all milk from NCC processed by Carbery.
Around 70 shareholders attended what was described as a “closed” two-hour meeting in a community hall outside the village of Banteer on Thursday.
It is understood shareholders are frustrated that significant sums were spent on acquisitions and that the company expanded too quickly.
A figure reported to have been referenced was “around €8m” of shareholders’ funds that have been used.
Few people wanted to comment after the meeting.
One farmer said: “I feel very let down and angry because I came here for answers and I don’t think I got them.
“The future of the company? I’d say it’s touch and go and it’s in the balance.”
Asked about the mood at the meeting, he said: “It wasn’t great, to be honest.”
Another farmer, when asked for comment, simply replied “nothing is definite and nothing is entirely clear”.
In Kanturk, one business owner, who asked not to be named, said: “This is going to be a terrible blow to the town.”
