Task force needed to examine refinery upgrade

With the proposed closure of the Whitegate Oil Refinery, there is in the opinion of many people an urgent need for Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte to set up a task force to examine the upgrading of the refinery to ensure the livelihood of the current 350-plus Cork employees and contractors and in the interests of the motoring public.

Some people refer to the possibility of a partner arrangement for the upgrading of the refinery with an oil-producing country.

In relation to finding a partner, I would like to know if the minister issued provisos regarding the State’s controlling interest in the refinery?

Has he given any indication as to how in future, a government wishing to control or limit petrol prices here will deal with a joint venture?

It is my wish that if and when a task force is set up and has completed its findings on the upgrading of Whitegate refinery, that they will be published as government policy.

I look forward to a favourable response from the minister on this very important social and economic issue which, hopefully, will increase the employment potential in East Cork and also have a reduced level of prices in petrol and oil for our very hard-pressed motoring public.

Cllr Noel Collins

Midleton

Co Cork