Pictured at the announcement are (l-r): Richard Bruton T.D. Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Simon Coveney T.D. Minister for Agriculture, Gearóid Mooney, Head of Research & Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and Professor Mary Shire, VP Research UL.
The Irish dairy processing sector continues to ramp up its preparations for the end of milk quotas with the announcement of an innovation investment of €35 million.
The investment by Government and industry will position Ireland as a world leader in dairy innovation, and help to maximise the long term growth opportunities created by anticipated increase of 50% in the Irish milk pool by 2020.
Announced jointly by Richard Bruton T.D. Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Simon Coveney T.D. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, at Arrabawn Co-Op in Co.Tipperary the investment is in the form of two initiatives:
Of the 10 major dairy companies involved, 7 are investing in both initiatives; Arrabawn Co-op, Aurivo, Carbery, Dairygold, Glanbia, Kerry, and Tipperary Co-Op. Lakeland Dairies is part of the DPTC consortium only. The Irish Dairy Board and North Cork Co-op are investing in MTL. University of Limerick will lead 9 other Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) in the DPTC to deliver the research and technology required creating 52 new jobs for highly-skilled researchers over the 5 year term of the centre.
Announcing the investment of €10 million by Teagasc and industry shareholders to expand and modernise the MTL pilot plant facility Minister Coveney said:
“Ultimately, this kind of investment can build the kind reputation for excellence in all things dairy that creates a platform not only for export growth, but also for inward investment by major global players in the food industry. This exactly the kind of initiative envisaged in Food Harvest 2020 and I am delighted to be associated with it.”
Welcoming the launch of the DPTC, Dan MacSweeney, Chief Executive of Carbery Group and Chairman of the Irish Dairy Industries Association said:
“The Irish dairy industry recognises the importance of investing in sophisticated, collaborative research and innovation and this is reflected by the involvement of 8 of our primary processors. Cumulatively, the companies who are partners in the DPTC process 85% of Ireland’s milk pool, produce €2.5 billion of Ireland’s annual dairy exports and provide over 25,000 direct and indirect jobs. It is also reflected in the significant industry contribution of €9 million to the total cost of the initiative – we are serious about making this technology centre work for the Irish dairy industry. We also welcome the complimentary investment in MTL, almost €4million of which is being provided by industry” said Mr. MacSweeney.
