The closure of this plant will have a significant effect on the local economy where most of the employees live and will also affect the 30 plus growers who worked for the co-op.

Cootehill was encountering increasing trading and liquidity issues in recent months (as outlined at the time by the Irish Farmers Journal) due to declining profit margins caused by feed prices and competition from cheaper imports.

The determination of retailers to maintain lucrative profit margins on their chicken business was also a contributing factor in this week’s receivership decision by Cootehill poultry.

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Growers met the receiver on Tuesday where the immediate priority was to source a purchaser for the stock in growers sheds. Western Brand stepped in as the only potential purchaser of the stock and its offer for the stock was accepted. The receiver told the growers that a payment would be deducted from outstanding monies owned top them for feed costs.

Again, the growers felt they had no choice but to accept this offer from the Receiver.

Some growers, with outstanding debts in excess of €25,000, are facing a significant write down on these debts while others are owed over €70,000 for two crops of birds.

Sources suggest Western Brand may now consider buying the factory premises at Cootehill.