Irving Oil Whitegate refinery avoids conviction after oil spill

EPA had prosecuted the Canadian-owned refinery in Cork Harbour in relation to the spill in January last year

The Irving Oil Whitegate refinery in East Cork, as seen from Cobh across Cork Harbour. File picture: Eddie O'Hare

Irving Oil, the Canadian owner and operator of Ireland’s only oil refinery at Whitegate in Cork Harbour, has avoided conviction in the district court in relation to an oil spill on January 22, 2024. 

Irving Oil was prosecuted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for an alleged breach of license conditions and requirements under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992.