Ireland’s biggest fuel forecourt supplier Topaz has moved to cement its position as market share leader by announcing plans to open a 24-hour motorway service station on the Cork to Dublin motorway.

Irving Oil, the soon-to-be new owner of Whitegate oil refinery, is not concerned by the facility’s weak financial performance and is confident of turning a profit despite global refining margins coming under pressure.

The owners of Ireland’s only oil refinery at Whitegate, Co Cork have confirmed there is significant interest in the facility after the Irish Examiner revealed last week that a sale was close to completion.

The sale of Whitegate oil refinery could be announced as early as next week with negotiations believed to be at an advanced stage.