Future of dairy employees must be secured – Dolan

Dairy staff whose Galway production business is reportedly set to be sold must have their jobs secured, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Aisling Dolan said there is shock and major concern at the widely reported sale of Arrabawn Dairies business in Kilconnell near Ballinasloe.

“Processing and distribution of liquid milk products takes place here and it is a major source of employment with 110 working here affected by this decision. They, their families and also, the local suppliers rely heavily on this facility.

“Facing into an uncertain winter with this news is the worst possible development for all in east Galway. It is a major shock.

“Now, the focus has to be on the security of all jobs there. There is a proud history here and it is an excellent dairy processing facility,” Senator Dolan said.

“What plans do Arrabawn have for the employees? They must be transparent and clear on this.

“I will work with our employment agencies to ensure plans are put in place for skilled workers here and to meet employee representative groups.

“I will also work to see if any other options are feasible for this plant which had seen expansion in 2018,” Senator Dolan added.