Cheesemaker threatens to quit over rates bill

After 15 years in business, a Cork cheesemaker is shutting up shop as he refuses to pay a €12,000 backlog in rates to the council.

Frank Shinnick is now considering transferring the manufacture of his cheese to Germany, where similar farm enterprises do not incur rates.

Mr Shinnick employs four people at his Fermoy Natural Cheese Company.