Irish Cement receives permission to cofire alternative fuels

An Bord Pleanála also granted permission to further replacement of fossil fuels at Irish Cement’s Platin cement plant in Co. Meath.

“These two positive planning decisions pave the way for further reductions in fossil fuel use in our business and will help the factories to reduce their CO₂ emissions,” said a company spokesperson.

Irish Cement began using alternative fuels at Platin in 2011 and last year avoided the import of 53 000 t of fossil fuels, reducing CO₂ emissions by over 64 000 t. “This permission will allow us to recover more valuable resources, make the factory more competitive, and support existing and future employment,” the spokesperson continued.

The decision to uphold permission to cofire alternative fuels at the Mungret plant will also come as a relief for the company, which had faced sustained opposition to the move by local residents. Mungret is currently the only cement plant in Ireland that remains entirely dependent on fossil fuels.

“Switching away from fossil fuels is essential to ensure the long-term viability of the Mungret factory,” the spokesperson said. “Replacing fossil fuels in cement factories is standard practice throughout Europe, and is line with European, national and regional waste management policy.”