THE Irish biofuels industry died on Jan 1, 2011 when a government tax relief scheme designed to foster the sector was replaced with one which has completely failed to do so. As a result, almost all of the country’s bioethanol, biodiesel, and oil-crushing plants were switched off.

HAULIERS were today beginning their annual conference amid deep concerns over spiralling diesel prices, penalty points and Dublin City Council’s controversial ban on lorries.