Bord na Móna has secured planning permission from Limerick County Council for a smokeless and biomass fuel plant in Foynes, Co Limerick, which will cost in the region of €20m to build.

The company said that 140 jobs will be created during the construction phase, while a further 60 jobs will be created in the operation phase.

Bord na Móna plans to substantially increase its range and supply of smokeless fuels to the Irish market. Once built, the facility will manufacture up to 150,000t of smokeless and biomass home heating fuels.

The company applied for planning permission in June 2015.

”Shovel ready”

Welcoming the news, Eddie Scaife, head of fuels at Bord na Móna, said they are “shovel ready to start construction”.

“It’s good news generally for air quality in Ireland that we will be able to meet the future demand for smokeless, cleaner and greener fuels. Consumers will be able to choose Irish-manufactured fuels with lower emissions.

“We are delighted to continue our support of the Limerick economy as the plant will generate 140 jobs during construction and a minimum of 60 jobs when it becomes operational.

“This will allow us to meet market demand for smokeless fuel when the 2017 ban on smoky coal comes into place. This development is good for the environment, good for jobs and good for consumers. We look forward to moving on site in the coming weeks,’’ Scaife said.

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