The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reinstated North Cork Creameries’ discharge licence following a five-month suspension.
The licence had been suspended due to “persistent compliance issues” and the co-op was prohibited from discharging treated effluent to the River Allow.
“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,” an EPA spokesperson said.
“Accordingly, EPA has decided that discharges of compliant treated effluent may recommence as of the 23 July, 2026, at a significantly reduced level,” they added.
The recommencement of discharges by North Cork to the river is subject to additional requirements as set out by the EPA on 23 July 2026 and it said compliance with these requirements will be closely monitored by the EPA.
North Cork
North Cork Creameries has welcomed confirmation by the EPA that the co-op has achieved compliance with conditions relating to wastewater treatment and is authorised to resume discharge of treated wastewater as of 23 July 2026, in line with the EPA’s specified requirements.
“This follows a four-month extensive programme of design, implementation and testing of the necessary improvements and mitigations required to ensure that the highest standards are met and consistent compliance is maintained,” a North Cork spokesperson told the Irish Farmers Journal.
“North Cork Creameries supports the work of the EPA and endorses the rigorous reviews conducted by the EPA throughout this period, which has enabled the co-operative to put best practices in place.
“The outcome represents an integral step in the co-operative's current strategy of investment, operational improvement and regulatory compliance. Following also from our recently announced commercial milk processing arrangement with Carbery, today's development provides further confidence regarding the long-term future of North Cork Creameries and our commitment to delivering certainty, stability and value for our milk suppliers, employees, customers and the wider community, while maintaining the highest standards of environmental protection.”
The co-op said it is committed to continuing engagement with the EPA.
EPA notice halts production at North Cork Creameries
EPA suspends North Cork Creameries from discharging wastewater