Kanturk, County Cork – The North Cork Co-Op Creamery underwent an unprecedented 50 inspections by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2025, far exceeding any other licensed industrial site in Ireland. This intense scrutiny, focused on wastewater discharges into the Allow River, a tributary of the Blackwater, ultimately contributed to the plant’s closure earlier this year, even as investigations cleared the creamery of responsibility for a major fish kill that impacted the region. The case highlights the increasing pressure on the food and drink industry to meet stringent environmental standards and the challenges faced by regulators in balancing compliance with economic viability.
The EPA’s increased enforcement activity across the country saw a 28% rise in inspections in 2025, with officers visiting 656 sites and conducting 1,681 inspections, according to the agency’s latest report. Ninety-six percent of these inspections were unannounced, covering 21 different sectors. Even as the vast majority of sites demonstrated good environmental compliance, persistent issues remain, particularly within the food and waste industries. Approximately 8% of inspections were triggered by public complaints, with odour emissions being the most frequent concern.
Intensive Scrutiny of North Cork Co-Op
The North Cork Co-Op Creamery’s situation began to draw significant attention following a large-scale fish kill in the Blackwater River last August. The incident, described as the largest in the State’s history, prompted a joint investigation by the EPA and Inland Fisheries Ireland. The investigation definitively concluded that discharges from the creamery were not responsible for the fish kill, attributing the cause to other, as-yet-undisclosed factors. Despite this finding, the creamery faced ongoing issues with its wastewater discharge license.
The repeated suspensions of the license, essential for the plant’s operation, proved unsustainable. Earlier this year, the farmer-owned co-operative announced it would cease production and close the Kanturk facility. The decision, as reported in March 2026, was directly linked to the ongoing difficulties in meeting the EPA’s requirements for wastewater treatment.
Broader Trends in EPA Enforcement
While the North Cork Co-Op case garnered significant attention, it was not an isolated incident. Arrow Group, a food and drink company in County Kildare, was the second most frequently inspected site in 2025, with 18 inspections related to persistent bad odours. ABP meat processors in Waterford and Eras Eco, a waste treatment firm in Youghal, County Cork, shared the third position, each undergoing 17 inspections, primarily focused on odour control. These figures underscore the EPA’s focus on addressing odour complaints, which accounted for 51% of all complaints received from the public in 2025.
The EPA received a total of 1,181 complaints from the public last year. Notably, just five sites accounted for nearly two-thirds of all complaints, indicating a concentration of environmental concerns at specific locations. The agency stated it has initiated enforcement actions against these sites. Ten sites were designated as National Priority Sites for environmental enforcement, collectively accounting for 39% of all complaints, 12% of non-compliances, 8% of site inspections, and 13% of new investigations.
Waste Sector Faces Highest Non-Compliance Rates
Despite receiving fewer complaints the waste sector exhibited the highest rates of non-compliance with EPA license conditions. This suggests that while odour and noise issues are the most visible concerns for the public, underlying systemic problems within the waste management industry require greater attention. The EPA conducted air monitoring during 116 inspections and collected water or effluent samples in 533 cases throughout 2025, demonstrating a commitment to data-driven enforcement.
The agency’s report also highlighted the increasing leverage of unannounced inspections, with 96% falling into this category. This approach is intended to provide a more accurate assessment of a site’s environmental performance under normal operating conditions. The EPA continues to emphasize the importance of proactive compliance and is working with industries to improve environmental performance and reduce the risk of pollution.
Looking ahead, the EPA is expected to publish its enforcement plan for 2026 in the coming months, outlining its priorities and strategies for addressing environmental challenges across Ireland. The agency will also continue to monitor and investigate sites of concern, ensuring that environmental regulations are upheld and that the country’s natural resources are protected. Further updates on EPA enforcement actions and environmental monitoring data can be found on the EPA’s official website.
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