Abolition of sugar quotas could pave the way for return of sugar production in Ireland

Speaking following the agreement that was reached on the reform of the CAP, Fine Gael Cork North West Deputy, Áine Collins, congratulated the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney TD, on the successful conclusions of the negotiations, which took place during Ireland presidency of the EU.

Deputy Collins went on to say that the agreement to abolish sugar quotas in 2017 is good news for Ireland and could pave the way for the re-establishment of the sugarbeet industry here which could result in the creation of much needed jobs.

“Following on from the demise of the sugarbeet industry, which saw the last processing plant close in Mallow in 2006, hundreds of people found themselves out of work and a number of towns and villages who had been supported by the industry were extremely badly hit.

“News that sugar quotas are to be abolished in 2017 as part of the CAP reform agenda signals the potential to revive this industry down the line. The EU, which is only 85% self-sufficient in terms of sugar production, is paying over the odds to import the sugar it needs, when compared to the cost of production here in Ireland. This makes a very strong case for the reinstatement of the industry, which would mean the creation of jobs in the agri-food, processing and bio-fuel sectors.

“Fine Gael MEP, Sean Kelly is exploring the possibility of possible funding sources at EU level, which could be used to set-up a new sugar factory in Ireland to support the regeneration of the industry in the south east of Ireland.

“The primary focus of the Government is to get our people off the dole and back to work. We are doing this by supporting the industries with the biggest potential for growth, of which the agri-food sector is one. Minister Coveney has performed excellently during these negotiations and has done his level best to come to fair and equitable agreement with our EU partners. Getting the wheels in motion to resuscitate our sugar industry will now be the firm focus of many as the benefits for local communities, especially in places like Cork, would be immense.”