Operators of the Fife Ethylene Plant have confirmed that there will be no flaring over the key Christmas period.
The Mossmorran site has been shut since August after two of its three boilers failed, and ExxonMobil suggested the plant could re-start in December.
That sparked fears from some locals about the potential for significant flaring over the festive period, and the worries about noise, light and vibrations brought about by that particular process.
However, in an update to the community, Jacob McAlister, plant manager, said its re-start schedule has always included a commitment to avoid flaring from the plant during the core Christmas period of December 24 to 26.
“It is currently projected that the main phase of re-start will commence after the core Christmas period,” he said.
“A comprehensive public communications programme will detail this in advance.
“We are also working closely with our regulators on the detail of our re-start plans.
“We hope our confirmation will help address any community concern resulting from recent speculative comments.”
Mr McAlister’s assurance comes after Mid-Scotland and Fife Green MSP Mark Ruskell said it would be “utterly unacceptable” if local families had their Christmas “ruined” by flaring.
