NRA faces calls to redesignate key energy route

The National Roads Authority is to be asked to designate the Midleton-Whitegate road in Co Cork as a primary route due to its strategic importance to the nation’s energy needs.

County engineer Noel O’Keeffe told councillors in County Hall yesterday that three power stations and the country’s only refinery were located in Whitegate, providing 30% of the country’s energy requirements.

“Whitegate is one of most strategic locations in Ireland,” said Mr O’Keeffe. “It has two ESB generating stations, one run by Bord Gáis, and it also has the refinery. It’s very important the road there is designated as a national primary route.”