Cork Chamber has welcomed news that one of the country’s leading insurance companies will look at reinsuring flood victims after its representatives came to view flood defences in Co Cork.

Paul Bradford admits it’s going to be an uphill battle for the fledgling party, writes Sean O’Riordan

Successful flood defence schemes in two North Cork towns brought great relief to householders and businesses during the current deluge.

Retired astronaut Chris Hadfield has told Irish teenagers to dream big and aim for the stars.

One of the most technically-advanced global export facilities in Europe was officially opened by Lakeland Dairies in Newtownards, Co Down, yesterday.

Dairy processing and agribusiness co-operatives — Fane Valley and Lakeland Dairies — yesterday announced two major new joint ventures with projected annual revenues of €845m.

A North Cork town is hoping to grab some of the action of a famed international car rally this autumn.

Overseas customers are waiting to take the 45% of extra milk which Lakeland Dairies suppliers are expected to produce from 2015 onwards, rising to exceed 1bn litres annually by 2020.

A total of 89 Cork-based micro-enterprises received approval for combined funding of €1.7m last year, driving one of the most successful years of entrepreneurship in the county.

Students with entrepreneurial flair have been firmly assured by Oscar-winning producer-turned-educationalist David Puttnam: “You are the people the world has been waiting for.”

A TD has claimed it may be illegal for a town council in Cork to use taxpayers’ money to mount a legal challenge against Environment Minister Phil Hogan’s plans to abolish the country’s 80 town councils.

Dairy farmers can look to 2013 with confidence despite the recession and the likelihood of further price volatility, according to Lakeland Dairies CEO Michael Hanley.

Irish Atlantic Seasalt has won the overall prize in the West Cork Enterprise Board’s Local Company of the Year Award 2012.

SMALL businesses remain the lifeblood of rural Ireland where budding entrepreneurs have not been beaten down by the continuing economic doom and gloom.

Lakeland Dairies chief executive Michael Hanley cited the excellent quality of milk in border-adjacent counties, when picking up the two main honours at the inaugural Cavan Business and Tourism awards.

Food producers from across Cork and Kerry will gather for a regional ‘food summit’ next week to explore ways of boosting an industry which has the potential to create up to 2,500 jobs over the next eight years.

Artisan food companies in Cork and Kerry are joining forces to promote their wares and build on current employment levels.

Bad weather, price cuts, and fodder shortages have all combined to shatter confidence among the farming community, according to the IFA.

Fifty Cork food and beverage businesses hope to boost their export sales following a targeted two-day food industry trip to Amsterdam.

Lakeland Dairies has reported pre-tax profits of €6.85m to Dec 2011, up more than 50% from its €4.5m profit in 2010.

The mayor of a Co Cork town fears traffic gridlock will ensue during the second phase of its €38m flood alleviation works unless its bypass toll is axed.

Some 96% of farmers intend to stay in milk production after the EU’s abolition of milk quotas in 2015, while 67% are already formulating their expansion plans, according to a survey of Lakeland Dairies suppliers.

A TOWN plans to honour two young Leaving Certificate students who have been hailed as heroes after they saved two men from a burning building.

HIGH quality milk from Ireland’s hugely efficient dairy farms will be well placed to cope with future open market challenges, says Lakeland Dairies chief executive, Michael Hanley.

THE second largest dairy co-operative, Lakeland Dairies, increased sales by 23% to €401 million in its last financial year.

Dairy processing co-operative Lakeland Dairies has reported a 23% increase in revenues to €401m and operating profit of €4.5m for the year ended December 31, 2010.

DAIRY farmers are outraged that Tipperary Co-op cut their September milk price at a time when producers in other jurisdictions are enjoying far higher returns, according to Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) dairy committee chairman Pat McCormack.

LAKELAND Dairies yesterday unveiled a €20m milk powder plant that can customise products for clients, facilitate research and feed excess energy back into the national electricity grid.

A DOZEN new business incubation units are to be established in Co Cork to help promote the indigenous food sector.

THE Office of Public Works (OPW) is investigating a problem regarding the “durability of the concrete” used in part of Fermoy’s €33 million flood prevention project.

IT’S still May, but it feels like Christmas for 24 lucky golfers who will tee it up with the biggest names in the game at the JP McManus Invitational pro-am in a few weeks.