Whitegate Oil Refinery to be sold

Cheaper fuel prices could be on the way with the proposed sale of the Whitegate Oil Refinery in Cork Harbour.

The cabinet is set to give the green light for the sale when it meets in Killarney today.

It is the first time ever that the Government has met in the Co Kerry town.

Ministers are also planning to off-load the Whiddy Island storage facility in Bantry Bay.

The sale could lead to a drop of half-a-pence a litre in the price of petrol.

The decision to hold the meeting in Kerry is regarded as a sign of solidarity with the tourism industry as it attempts to recover from the Foot and Mouth scare.

Tourism interests in the southwest have been welcoming the move.

Following the meeting the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is expected to take time out to campaign for a yes vote in the Nice Treaty referendum.