Gerald Burns was last night (Wednesday, October 14) elected as the new chair of North Cork Creameries, Agriland understands.

The Kanturk-based co-op is yet to make an official announcement about the appointment.

However, a message seen by Agriland confirming the move was sent to suppliers and shareholders this morning (Thursday, October 15).

The move follows a decision by Thomas O'Donoghue to step down from the position of chair this week.

This was the second time that O'Donoghue had resigned as chair of the co-op in recent months. In March, he decided to remain in the position having previously indicated his intention to step down.

North Cork Creameries

It has been a difficult year for North Cork Creameries,which has been in business since 1928, after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suspended the co-op's licence to discharge water from its wastewater treatment plant.

In July, the EPA confirmed that it had lifted the suspension of North Cork Creameries' discharge licence.

"Following actions taken by the licensee since the suspension, the EPA is satisfied the licensee has confirmed that, based on the information submitted and the EPA’s own investigations, compliance with the criteria as set out in that suspension notice has been achieved," a spokesperson for the EPA said.

The agency said discharges of compliant treated effluent could recommence from July 23 "at a significantly reduced level".

Milk

In April, North Cork Creameries confirmed that it has reached agreement with Carbery on a new commercial milk supply agreement.

However it did not disclose any details of the deal with Carbery because of "commercial reasons".

In a statement issued at the time, the co-op said that the new commercial agreement "will assist in providing certainty for North Cork Creameries’ milk suppliers by having a dedicated processing outlet for their milk".

"This mutually satisfactory arrangement will deliver value to farmer shareholders across both organisations," North Cork Creameries added.

The co-op also stated that it "is committed to paying a competitive milk price to milk suppliers, and the agreement with Carbery will support this objective".

North Cork Creameries has not yet set a date for its annual general meeting (AGM) this year. A full set of financial accounts for 2025 is also awaited by suppliers and shareholders.