Bio-fuel outlet for beet industry
This became clear yesterday as beet growers, workers at Mallow Sugar Factory and Greencore pondered the future of the industry.
The sweeping reforms decided by the EU Council of Agricultural Ministers have been broadly interpreted as spelling the end of the 80-year-old Irish sugar industry, worth a total of €140 million a year to the national economy.
But the decisions, which include a €310m financial package for Ireland, have also renewed interest in the development of ethanol from sugar beet and the production of other bio-fuels.
The Green Party recently called on the Government to provide full support for companies willing to invest in Ireland for the development of bio-refineries.
It pointed out that €51m, now available Europe-wide for new energy projects, could go a long way to raising awareness for an urgently needed change in attitude to energy policies.
Green Party deputy leader Mary White said that since the closure of the Carlow sugar factory farmers are actively seeking new methods of securing income.
By developing bio-ethanol plants, which will need sugar beet or wheat for production, a vital stream of income will be provided for farmers.
Cllr Sean Sherlock (Labour) said yesterday the EU reforms were made against the background of rapidly rising oil prices and Ireland’s obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.
“We must consider alternative products for the Mallow sugar factory to manufacture,” he said, adding that the plant has the facilities to produce bio-fuel.
He called on NaturalResources Minister Noel Dempsey to extend the bio-fuels mineral oil tax relief scheme to allow for greater tax relief on the production of bio-fuels.
Senator Paul Bradford (FG) said the loss of an industry for beet growers will inevitably lead to job losses in Mallow, not only in the factory, but in the haulage and services industry. The growth of alternative energy crops represents a feasible substitute for the current industry but the Government refuses to explore this option, he said.
