Repeated and serious breaches of pollution regs

09:17, 05 Mar 2026Updated 09:19, 05 Mar 2026

ÓR Real Irish Butter – from North Cork Creameries.

Up to 100 jobs will be lost in North Cork with the shock announcement that North Cork Creamieres is to close its plant in Kanturk, follow a series of issues involving the Environmental Protection Agency.

The plant had been under a forced closure due to repeated water-quality issues and was effectively prohibited from releasing wastewater and byproducts. There have been a number of high profile fish kill and pollution incidents in the wider area. In August, an investigation into a major fish kill found the plant to be 50 times over the limit for ammonia discharges.

Now the co-op has decided to close the Kanturk plant – meaning 100 job losses for the community. North Cork Creameries will continue to operate, but milk will be processed by the Carbery Group on another site, as part of a new 10-year agreement. It’s understood the costs associated with upgrading the existing Kanturk site did not make ecnomic sense.

Cork North West TD John Paul O’Shea says every possible support will be put in place for affected employees after this decision which is a major blow to the historic North Cork market town.

“This is a devastating blow for the workers, their families and the wider Kanturk community,” Deputy O’Shea said.

“Supports will be made available to workers at North Cork Creameries. My priority now is to ensure that those affected employees will receive access to all necessary supports without delay.”

“I have asked that the Department of Social Protection would be available to assist here. Employees are advised to visit their local Intreo Centre in Newmarket or Mallow for support and advice. There are a range of income supports available, and assistance to move to alternative employment, or to access appropriate education, training, and development options”.

“North Cork Creameries has been a long-standing employer and an integral part of the local economy in Kanturk. My immediate thoughts are with the workers and their families who are dealing with this difficult news.”