Focus has shifted towards finding a new use for the soon-to-be disused milk bottling plant in Kilconnell – as the County Council faces a hole in its budget due to a loss of rates income.

Despite the best efforts of local councillors, TDs and industry representatives, Arrabawn’s decision to withdraw from Kilconnell appeared to be irreversible, the Ballinasloe Municipal District meeting was told.

Local representatives met with the board of Arrabawn in Nenagh in the immediate aftermath of their decision and Cllr Michael Connolly (FF) said it was his sense that “there was no going back”.

“The whole business has changed. Even previous to the energy crisis, the plant was operating at a loss.

“We have to see that the plant is put to some alternative use – maybe a cheese manufacturing plant . . . maybe a brewery,” said Cllr Connolly, adding that the company had made it clear there would not be a milk production plant in Kilconnell again.

“They did say they would look at a joint-venture, or to sell it,” he said.

Cllr Evelyn Parsons (Ind) said she took a different view and would “never say never”, adding that she felt the company had engaged very well with local representatives.

“I wouldn’t write it off completely,” said the Cathaoirleach of the Ballinasloe MD.

“I would hope there would be a fresh imagining of the premises and that it doesn’t become a derelict site in one of our most beautiful villages,” continued Cllr Parsons.

Cllr Dermot Connolly (SF) said this month’s decision to close the plant, which followed the sale of Arrabawn’s liquid sales book to the Aurivo co-op, was “capitalism at its worst” and had come as a devastating blow to the farming and rural economy in east Galway.

“We need to ensure that the maximum number of jobs are maintained in Kilconnell and that whoever has to take redundancy gets a good redundancy payment.

“Arrabawn did say that they were looking to explore ways milk could still be brought to the plant in Kilconnell and that there might be some way of processing milk to be maintained there . . . it is vital this facility is maintained there,” said Cllr Connolly.

County Council Director of Services, Liam Hanrahan, said the loss of commercial rates for the plant, the loss of employment and the future use of the buildings in Kilconnell were all high on the Council’s agenda.

“The loss of rates is a concern. We have expressed our concern on the loss of our rates base to the Department [of Local Government].

“We don’t want to see a large industrial plant left vacant in a small town like Kilconnell. It doesn’t take long for a building to become derelict,” said Mr Hanrahan.

“The County Council will be more than happy to sit down with anyone who takes an interest in that – the last thing we want to see is a building become derelict and become a drain on everyone’s resources,” he continued.

Cllr Timmy Broderick (Ind) said the looming energy crisis could see a repeat of this scenario in towns across the county.

“Arrabawn could pale in significance to the challenge coming down the road.

“We need to ensure we stand behind eery industry facing this in the not-too-distant future. There is a train crash coming down the line,” he said of the increased cost of running a business.