Dept ‘rejects green cement following industry lobbying’

The Department of the Environment has reportedly rejected proposals for the use of environmentally-friendly cement in public building projects following lobbying from the cement industry.

Reports this morning said the department had initially adopted a favourable stance on the proposals from the Office of Public Works (OPW).

However, documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show that it subsequently opposed the scheme after holding a meeting with the lobby group representing the cement industry.

Minister for the Environment Dick Roche reportedly told the OPW after the meeting that the initiative could undermine voluntary moves by the cement industry to become more environmentally friendly.

He later ruled out any involvement by his department, saying it would favour one company in particular, Ecocem, which is the only firm currently manufacturing green cement in Ireland.

However, this morning's reports say other large producers also have the capacity to manufacture the material.