THE continuing uncertainty over the operation of Ireland’s only oil refinery, at Whitegate in Cork Harbour, could have serious implications for the State’s energy supplies and consequently for our economy.

Agreement has been reached to sell the Whiddy Island oil terminal in Bantry, which holds a third of Ireland’s strategic oil reserves, to the US startup, Zenith Energy.

The future of Ireland’s only oil refinery, Whitegate in East Cork, is in jeopardy after being put up for sale by its owners, who are also selling the massive oil storage terminal in Bantry Bay.

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.

Today marks the first day of operations of Phillips 66 oil refinery and storage facilities in Ireland.

IRELAND’S electricity supply would be endangered if there was any kind of energy shock as we can only store 11 days of gas in this country compared with an EU average of 52 days.

AN iconic tower up to 22 storeys high is one of four soaring landmark buildings proposed in a blueprint that will transform Cork’s south docks into one of Europe’s top waterfront urban quarters.

A MAJOR review of safety zones around hazardous oil depots and chemical plants in Cork’s docklands could jeopardise the city’s €2 billion docklands strategy, it was claimed yesterday.