The project to recommence sugarbeet processing in Ireland is “still on track” according to a representative of BEET Ireland.

The group plans to build a processing unit capable of fulfilling Ireland’s sugar requirement and also being a significant producer of bioethanol. Originally launched at a series of meetings in 2010, the group unveiled its business plan in 2013.

While the project is moving slowly, it is progressing, and BEET Ireland will be present at next week’s National Ploughing Championships.

“We have a structure that will enable growers to share in the ownership and profits of the business,” said a BEET Ireland representative. “We need Government to endorse our business model to ensure that the project will put money in the pocket of farmers.

Ireland imports all its sugar requirements since Greencore closed the Carlow and Mallow factories in 2005 and 2006 respectively.

In 2015, according to the CSO over €440m worth of sugar was imported. “ We see a secure sugar supply as more important than ever now, in the wake of Brexit,” said the BEET Ireland representative.

A location for the processing facility has been earmarked, believed to be in Co Kildare.

BEET Ireland will be located near Cross Machinery at the Ploughing. Simon Cross is a member of the steering committee, along with Michael Hoey of Country Crest Foods and farmers Pat Cleary and Jim O’Regan.