The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICSMA) has called on Government to mediate between Glanbia, farmers and An Taisce in the ongoing High Court appeal against planning permission for the Belview cheese plant in Co Kilkenny.

President Pat McCormack has described the further court appeal from An Taisce against the Glanbia plant as hugely concerning and damaging in terms of its uncertainty and delay

“Farm families in the Glanbia catchment will be the first to be hit by this further appeal, but the wider economy in the Glanbia regions will also feel the negative impact,” McCormack said.

“We have a sector delivering for rural Ireland, there are no viable alternatives to this sector, but it appears that some people are intent on stopping its sustainable progress.”

The ICMSA has called for Government intervention in the row.

“While recognising the separation of powers between Government and the courts, the Government needs to bring the two parties together, identify the issues of concern and deliver an outcome that will allow this project to proceed without any further delay,” McCormack continued.

“Our Government needs to govern and from a farmer perspective, this means immediate action to deliver this project without further delays.”