Bord na Móna has secured planning permission from Limerick County Council for a smokeless fuel plant in the port of Foynes. The project will generate 140 jobs during the construction phase and will create 60 jobs when it becomes operational, not including indirect employment arising from stevedoring, material handling and local haulage. The plant will manufacture up to 150,000 tonnes of smokeless and biomass home heating fuels.

Welcoming the announcement, Bord na Móna Head of Fuels Eddie Scaife said: “Right now we are shovel-ready to start construction. 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.”

Bord na Móna is Ireland’s leading heating fuels company, and has provided employment in Foynes for decades. The company plans to substantially increase its range and supply of smokeless fuels for the Irish market. It submitted its planning application for the develop-ment to Limerick City and County Council on 26th June, 2015.