Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2015
655. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has had discussions with a company (details supplied) regarding its sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25870/15]
View answerIreland has a single refinery at Whitegate, Cork that is owned and operated by Phillips 66. My Department is in regular contact with the company and I have met with Irish and US executives of Phillips 66 as well as with union representatives. I visited the refinery in November 2014.
The company most recently marketed the Bantry storage terminal, the refinery and their retail business in Ireland in 2013. At that time they decided to proceed with the sale of Bantry terminal only which concluded earlier this year.
Under the 2001 Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA), the new owners agreed to continue to operate the Whitegate refinery and Bantry terminal facility until July 2016 at a minimum. At the most recent meeting I had with Phillips 66 in April 2015, they indicated that they remain committed to honouring the 2001 SPA conditions and they are actively considering a number of options for the future of the refinery beyond that date. I understand that a potential sale is one the options under consideration.
