Dairy investments will benefit rural communities in Tipperary – Coonan

“Rural communities are set to benefit most from the recent significant investments in the dairy industry”, says Fine Gael TD for Tipperary, Noel Coonan.

“The Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, spoke in Dáil Éireann last Wednesday about the potential of the dairy sector and it was very encouraging to hear of all the significant investments, particularly the in Tipperary catchment area. There have been major developments at Arrabawn Nenagh and Centenary Co-Op, an integral part of the Glanbia group.

“Elsewhere the Taoiseach today officially opened Glanbia Ingredients Ireland’s hi-spec infant formula standard facility at Belview in Kilkenny. Glanbia have invested €80 million in Mallow, Co. Cork. Dairygold has also invested €60 million in Mitchelstown, while another significant investment was made in Charleville as part of a joint project between Kerry Group and Beingmate to produce infant formula. Infant food is actually Ireland’s number one dairy product export.

“The dairy companies are ready for increased production when the milk quotas are lifted in a few short weeks and I know Tipperary farmers are getting ready also. Milk production is set to double over the next 5 years. The dairy sector is a crucial to the Irish agri-food sector, accounting for more than 30% in value of agri-food exports in 2013.

“Rural communities stand to benefit most from the increased production. When Tipperary farmers are doing well then the indirect benefit to the Tipperary economy is substantial. Farmers spend 95% of their income locally, so local businesses and retailers stand to benefit when the farming sector is doing well.”