I wish to confirm to the Deputy that in 2011 I met with two separate groups who had conducted feasibility studies, into the possibility of establishing a new sugar/bioethanol facility in the country. I clearly stated at both meetings and on many occasions since both in the Dáil and elsewhere, that any venture to develop a combined sugar-bioethanol production facility would have to be a viable commercial proposition, and supported by a business case which is sufficiently robust to attract the funding from investors for the very substantial capital investment required. I confirmed with both interested parties that it is my job to seek the earliest possible date that would allow for the growing of beet again for the production of sugar in Ireland.
I understand from figures published by the interested groups who are investigating the possibility of building a new facility, that the overall capital cost costs involved could range from €250 million to €400 million, depending on what type of facility will be constructed.
Also my Departmental officials have met with both feasibility study groups on a number of occasions since then to brief them on the progress of the CAP reform negotiations in Brussels, which included measures for a revised sugar regime and meetings with both interested groups are ongoing.
I am now pleased to confirm to the Deputy that at our final Council of Agriculture Ministers in June, which I chaired under Ireland's EU Presidency, and following very comprehensive and extensive discussions which I had with my ministerial colleagues from all the Member States on this issue, I secured agreement as part of the overall CAP reform package to abolish all EU sugar quotas by 30 September 2017. This agreement removes, with effect from 1 October 2017, the sugar quota barrier for operators in Ireland or other Member States, wishing to recommence sugar processing.
This agreement has been welcomed by those who are interested in seeking to re-establish a sugar industry here.
