Lagan considers bonemeal fuel for cement plant

Irish-based Lagan Cement, the republic’s third-biggest supplier of cement, is researching “alternative” methods of fuelling the furnaces at its controversial factory near Kinnegad in Co Meath. Jude Lagan, a director of the company, said last week that the incineration of meat and bonemeal (MBM) is one of the options being considered by the company.  “We are currently researching the use of alternative fuels and meat and bonemeal would be classed as an alternative fuel,” said Lagan. He refused to comment on whether the company would be applying for a licence from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to incinerate animal by-products. “We are a responsible organisation and we want to bring down our CO2 emissions in line with the Kyoto protocol. Alternative fuels would help us do that,” he said.

Several other businesses have considered the incineration of MBM in recent years but on each occasion have met with fierce opposition from local groups. Quinn Cement, part of the businessman Sean Quinn’s empire, was also reported to be considering this move in 2002. MBM incineration was originally mooted five years ago as a means of disposing of BSE- infected cow carcasses, but faced stiff political opposition. Currently, no Irish companies are licensed by the EPA to incinerate animal by-products.