Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Dec 1995

Vol. 459 No. 7

Written Answers. - Oil Refinery Upgrading.

Peter Barry

Question:

161 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the current status of the £26 million upgrading programme being undertaken at Whitegate oil refinery, County Cork; if it has advanced to the stage where the refinery will be in a position to operate on a commercial basis at open market prices from the end of 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18823/95]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

In 1993, in the context of the Culliton/Moriarty reports, the Government announced that the mandatory off take regime at the Whitegate Oil Refinery should terminate at the end of 1996. In response to the Government decision, the Irish National Petroleum Corporation prepared a commercialisation and development plan which was approved in December 1993.

The programme of investment being carried out by the INPC is funded from its internal sources and trading operations and involves over 20 individual projects. The INPC's management team monitors progress on an on-going basis and keeps my Department fully informed as to the status of the overall programme. Based on implementation to date, the plan is on target and I am confident that its realisation will enable the refinery to trade profitably in open market conditions from 1997.