Sugar factory should be reopened and used for biofuel production

IT seems there is a growing body of opinion in favour of converting the Mallow sugar factory to the processing of sugar beet for the production of bio-ethanol.

I have heard and read many compelling arguments explaining why the existing facilities should be redeployed rather than destroyed and the sites used by Greencore for property development.

In 2005, when I first proposed that the Carlow and Mallow plants be redeployed in this manner, I was accused by some people of supporting the destruction of the sugar industry. I did so at a time when it was clear that Greencore, with the connivance of the Government, was not going to be swayed from acquiescing in the EU’s plans to do away with the Irish sugar sector.