Bord na Móna is to create 60 new jobs after securing planning permission for a new smokeless fuel plant in the port of Foynes in Co Limerick.

The facility will manufacture up to 150,000 tonnes of smokeless and biomass home heating fuels once operational.

Bord na Móna submitted its planning application for the development to Limerick City & County Council on last June.

The company said it expected the project to generate 140 jobs during the construction phase with 60 new roles once the plant begins operations.

"This is great news on a number of fronts. It's good news generally for air quality in Ireland that we will be able to meet the future demand for smokeless, cleaner and greener fuels. Consumers will be able to choose Irish manufactured fuels with lower emissions," said head of fuels Eddie Scaife.

“Right now we are shovel-ready to start construction. This will allow us to meet market demand for smokeless fuel when the 2017 ban on smoky coal comes into place. This development is good for the environment, good for jobs and good for consumers. We look forward to moving on site in the coming weeks,” he added.