Bord na Móna recently launched site preparation works for its new €20 million smokeless coal plant at Foynes, Co. Limerick. The facility is being developed to supply up to 150,000 tonnes of smokeless coal to the Irish market.
It is expected that 80 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the project, which will provide 25 jobs when it becomes operational, not including spin-off employment.
The development comes as a total ban on bituminous coal is planned to be introduced by the Government over the next two to three years.
Describing Bord na Móna as a market leader in solid fuels, head of Bord na Móna Fuels, Eddie Scaife, said that the construction of the plant would see it maintain that leadership “through and beyond” the transition to smokeless fuel. He said: “Today’s launch means we are starting a new phase of our conversation with customers. We are looking forward to supplying them with cleaner, smokeless coal that they can rely on when the new regulations come into effect.”
The development is good for the environment, good for jobs and good for consumers, Mr Scaife concluded. Last month Bord na Móna unveiled a €1.2 billion investment programme with a major focus on renewable energy projects.
The commercial semi-state is to diversify into the solar and biomass sectors. (www.independent.ie)
