The Board of Arrabawn Co-Op voted to close its liquid milk plant in Kilconnell on 25 August 2022. The decision will be catastrophic for Kilconnell and communities across East Galway, resulting in the loss of a substantial number of jobs over the coming months.
Commenting on the decision in a Facebook post, Michael Fitzmaurice TD said, “The sale of the liquid milk book by Arrabawn to Aurivo will no doubt shock dairy farmers who have invested in their enterprises to ensure that the Kilconnell plant was provided with sufficient milk supplies all year.”
“In a brief conversation with Arrabawn this morning, they indicated that they are open to exploring alternative opportunities for the site with public representatives… This morning, I am making representations to the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, and the Minister for Enterprise to make sure there is joined-up thinking across agencies to ensure no opportunity to bring jobs to East Galway is missed.”
“The agri-business sector is a tough one, but it is the backbone of rural communities. By supporting the innovation and resilience of farmers, businesses and communities, Government cannot just replace the jobs that will be lost but create more.”
Meanwhile, IFA Liquid Milk Chair Keith O’ Boyle said: “IFA has been highlighting the precarious situation of the liquid milk business for the last number of years and this is now playing out with Arrabawn leaving the sector.”
“We cannot have a situation where any other processor or farmer feels forced to leave the liquid milk sector. The only way to guarantee this is by retailers paying a fair price for fresh milk. If this doesn’t transpire, a regular supply of fresh milk on supermarket shelves is in real jeopardy.”