Dairygold obtains approval for new facility in Ireland

Irish dairy co-operative Dairygold has obtained permission from An Bord Pleanála to build a new Jarlsberg manufacturing facility in Mogeely, Co. Cork.

An Bord Pleanála is an Irish Government body that is responsible for the determination of appeals and other matters under the Planning and Development Act 2000.

The proposal submitted by Dairygold included a commercial partnership between Dairygold and Tine, a Norway-based dairy co-operative and the brand owner of Jarlsberg cheese.

Under the new partnership, Tine has agreed to invest in the development of the new facility while the Dairygold investment will provide a Brexit-proof route to market for locally produced milk.

Dairygold CEO Jim Woulfe said: “We’re very pleased that planning has been approved by An Bord Pleanála for the proposed development, which is pivotal to the continuation of our strategic partnership with Tine whose commitment to this development with its significant investment, along with Dairygold’s, reflects a strong vote of confidence in the high-quality dairy produce of our members.”

For many years, Dairygold has been manufacturing Jarlsberg cheese for Tine through a strategic partnership.

With the new dedicated Jarlsberg factory, Dairygold expects to increase the production capacity significantly with a potential to produce approximately 20,000t a year.

The cheese manufactured at the new facility will be exported to American and European markets.

The Irish dairy co-operative is currently reviewing the conditions attached to the An Bord Pleanála decision in order to assess the impact on the proposed development and ensure that development works are in line with the standards of planning, operational and environmental regulations.