Negotiations over the sale of the Whitegate Refinery in Cork are reportedly at an advanced stage.

Fianna Fail Leader Micheál Martin is urging the new owners to focus on the facility as it is "vital" for securing Ireland's energy supply.

Deputy Martin said: "Whitegate Refinery provides one third of all of our transportation fuel and is a long-term principal supplier to the National Oil Reserves Agency. The future of this facility has serious implications for Ireland's energy supply and it's important that this is recognised.

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"It's an extremely worrying time for the workers and families whose livelihoods depend on the continued operation of the refinery, especially considering the current licence obligation is coming to a conclusion. These workers and families cannot be left in limbo regarding their future. We need total transparency in any negotiations regarding the future of the refinery, and the Government must directly engage with perspective buyers to strongly advocate for its continued operation."

(CD/LM)