Minister Coveney Welcomes New Report On Benefits Of Dairy Expansion

Minister Coveney today welcomed the report produced by Dr Declan O’Connor and Dr Michael Keane that examined the likely Economic Benefits and Infrastructural Requirements arising from the planned dairy expansion in Cork. The authors estimate that the 50% expansion in milk output will generate 4,000 jobs in the County by 2020. This includes direct employment increases in dairy farming, milk processing and dairy farm inputs as well as indirect and induced employment in the wider economy in Cork. 

Minister Coveney highlighted the report’s conclusions that these would be ‘long-term sustainable jobs with the prospect of further steady employment growth in the decade beyond 2020’.

Minister Coveney commented ‘the planned expansion in dairy output that will follow the removal of milk quotas at the end of March will have a major positive impact on rural economies throughout  Ireland and will lead to economic growth and employment creation’.

In Cork alone it has been estimated that growth in milk production will result in increased economic output of close to €450 million per annum by 2020. Minister Coveney added that ‘similar benefits will be seen in many other rural communities. While dairy intensive regions stand to benefit most there will be positive spill over impacts for other areas and sectors too. The abolition of milk quotas is a very positive development for Irish farming and has the potential to transform rural economies over the next decade’