The ICOS Skillnet is a network of member co-operatives nationwide. Members use the network to avail of grant-assisted training and networking opportunities for their owners, managers and staff.

We believe that members need to improve the skills of their workforce if they are to grow and be successful in today’s business environment.

The ICOS Skillnet application under the Skillnet Ireland Training Networks Programme 2018/19 has been successful and grant aid for 2019 has been secured.

The network’s long term strategy is to continue in supporting the co-op and agri-business sectors in meeting their training & development needs to sustain competitiveness and growth for the sectors.

The aims of the programme are:

  • To provide industry specific, customised and most relevant training to the member companies in order to improve their competitiveness.
  • To promote training as a viable strategic tool.
  • To improve the quality of training and development activities and provide real opportunities to employees of the member companies.
  • To assist in creating a long term future for co-operative businesses in rural areas.
  • To contribute to the upskilling of the unemployed.

We provide training in the following areas: Co-operative & Industrial Provident Society Director Training; People Management; Planning & Strategy; Management Development; Communication Skills; Sales & Marketing; Finance; Technical Skills; Health & Safety and Information Technology.

For further information on ICOS Skillnet, please contact (01) 613-1348 or email info@icosskillnet.ie

The ICOS Skillnet is funded by Skillnet Ireland and member companies. Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Education and Skills.

Skillnet Ireland Employment Activation programme

ICOS Skillnet focusses on supporting those in employment within the co-op and agri-business sector. A number of other Skillnet Networks participate in the Skillnet Ireland Employment Activation programme. This initiative is designed exclusively for unemployed people and includes free training in skills in demand by companies combined with direct access to employers through meaningful work placements. For further information on Skillnet Networks offering free training programmes for those seeking employment, subject to eligibility criteria, see the Skillnet Ireland website.

Steering Group

Name Position Organisation Phone Email
Ann Quigley Human Resources Centenary Thurles Co-operative Creamery Ltd. 0504-91900 aquigley@centenarythurles.com
Lydia Mahon Head of Group Human Resources Aurivo Co-operative Society Limited 071 9186500 lydia.mahon@aurivo.ie
Philip Ducie Chairman ICOS Skillnet & Human Resources Manager – Agri Division Dairygold Co-Operative Society Ltd. 025-24411 pducie@dairygold.ie
Tom Moher Head of Farm Trading Services Tipperary Co-operative Creamery Ltd. 062-33111 tmoher@tipperary-coop.ie
John O’Riordan Board Member Cork Co-Operative Marts Ltd. 087-245-9025 jgoriordan@gmail.comm
James O’Donnell Board Member NCFRS Ltd. (Farm Relief Services) 087-813-7871 athiseal@gmail.com
Martina Tobin Human Resources Manager Arrabawn Co-Operative Society Ltd. 067-41800 mtobin@arrabawn.ie
Michael O’Driscoll Purchasing Manager Bandon Co-Operative Agricultural & Dairy Society Ltd. 02388-29012 modriscoll@bandoncoop.ie
Stephen Hickey Human Resources Business Partner Glanbia Agri Business 056-777-2200 shickey@glanbia.ie
Mairead Harnett Human Resources Manager Kerry Agri Business 063-35052 maireadl.harnett@kerry.ie
T. J. Flanagan CEO ICOS Ltd 01-676-4783 t.flanagan@icos.ie
Michaela Ronan Downey Human Resources North Cork Co-operative 029-50003 michaela@northcorkcreameries.com