McCarthy calls for securing a buyer for Whitegate Oil Refinery

One of the most pressing local,and indeed national issues,in the constituency of Cork East is is the question of the future of the State’s only Oil Refinery in Whitegate.

I am a signed up member of Right 2 Change. One of our core principles is the Right 2 National Resources. Just recently fourteen new licences have been issued for oil exploration off our coasts. If or when commercial oil fields come on stream we need to safeguard a vital natural resource to ensure maximum economic benefit for our country. Crucial to this is the need to maintain our own refining capacity in the existing facility in Whitegate.

I call again for every agency of the State to actively engage in securing a buyer for the Whitegate Plant and for the incoming Government to make this an immediate priority. This should also include the option of State investment.

It is also an imperative that any potential purchaser have a proven track record in the oil industry and that due diligence be applied in assessing any proposed takeover.

Cllr Kieran Mc Carthy Cork Eat Dail Candidate. 0876845249.