Extension sought for Lakeland Dairies plant

Lakeland Dairies is seeking planning permission for an extension to its dairy processing facility in Killeshandra.

Plans submitted to Cavan County Council planners propose a single-storey extension containing a storage, packaging and despatch area with a link corridor to the existing production and warehouse building.

The application also seeks permission for a single-storey unloading dock extension, a 15m high silo, alterations to laboratory building, air handling unit (AHU) and the relocation of a transformer.

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted as part of the planning process.

According to planning documents, the Lakeland facility in Killeshandra accepted almost 170 million litres of whole milk during 2023.

The extension will allow for a 19% increase in milk intake to over 201 million litres annually. This estimate is based on “current forecasting within the group”.

As the project will not increase output by over 50 million gallons per year an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is “not required”, according to planning documents.

With water reduction targets being implemented within the factory, the wastewater volume “will be negligible” if the proposed development is granted.

A decision on the application is due the end of next month.

In November, Lakeland announced that it plans to close three facilities over the next 16 months - two in Monaghan and one in Down - as part of a strategy to improve the efficiency of their processing operations.

Cavan sites were not affected by the move with operations in other counties set to transfer to plants in the Breffni county.

Milk will continue to be processed at Lakeland Dairies Bailieboro, Killeshandra, Newtownards, Ballyrashane and Artigarvan.

The company said that, between now and the first quarter of 2025, it will implement “significant change” across the business, including the realignment of its milk processing footprint “to meet future market requirements”.