Ethanol production viability study sought
Councillor Sean Sherlock said he was calling for the study in order to secure the ongoing survival of beet processing in Ireland in the context of challenges facing the company with the imminent overhaul of the EU sugar regime. He said last week’s announcement by the EU Commission makes this proposal all the more urgent.
“We cannot wait until a final deal is hammered out in Brussels. I am calling on the Government to introduce supports to Irish Sugar to allow them to engage in a viability study on ethanol production. “Furthermore, the Government must now start to look at excise duties on alternative fuel sources, particularly ethanol and bio-diesel, in light of recent upward trends in oil prices.”
Mr Sherlock said ethanol is a bio-fuel which is a by-product of sugar beet. There is a ready made market for this crop. It has enormous potential as a fuel alternative in the EU transport market.
“If the Mallow plant could explore bioethanol production it would further enhance its future prospects and ensure a viable return for beet growers in County Cork and throughout Munster.”
Mr Sherlock said Ireland must look to its obligations under the Kyoto protocol. The country is currently in breach of the Kyoto Agreement and continuing high emissions will result in a heavy penalties accruing to this country and to Irish taxpayers.
