Call for closed sugar plants to be converted for biofuel production

HUNDREDS of jobs could be created if the Government went to the European Commission with a plan to convert one of the closed sugar plants in Carlow and Mallow to ethanol production, a Green Party TD has claimed.

Green Party energy spokesman Eamon Ryan, TD, said Greencore is walking away with millions from the closure of the Mallow sugar factory thanks to a weak-willed approach by the Government.

Rather than walking away from the best chance to set up a substantial Irish biofuel industry, the Government should go to Brussels even at this late hour with a plan to convert one of the plants in Carlow and Mallow.