GOLDEN Vale is to rationalise its liquid milk operations in Northern Ireland with the closure of the Rossdowney plant near Derry, with the loss of 38 jobs. Golden Vale is to concentrate its liquid milk production on one site at Lurgan, Co Armagh.

A spokesman for Golden Vale said there would be no effect on milk collection, sales or distribution. Golden Vale has a 30 per cent share of the Northern Ireland liquid milk market.

"This rationalisation has been brought about as a result of the company's intentions to be a long-term player in the liquid milk market. St Brendan's Cream Liqueur manufacture at the site will be unaffected," he said.