Irish Cement will burn used tyres at its cement plant in Limerick plant. The Irish Examiner reported that the company plans to switch to dry waste material such as rubber from used tyres and plastic to fuel the kiln at the Castlemungret plant which will cut costs, make the plant cleaner and more competitive, according to the company.

A spokesman for Irish Cement said they will shortly be lodging a planning application with Limerick City and County Council for the replacement of fossil fuel with alternative fuels and raw materials to improve the sustainability of their operations. The company will also be seeking a revision of its licence from the Environmental Protection Agency.

"This fuel replacement programme will be key to sustaining this growth,” said Castlemungret plant manager, Pat Robinson.