The UK Government has announced a £9 million investment in Mossmorran's ethylene plant to support future redevelopment projects.
The funding was revealed at the latest meeting of the Mossmorran Task Force, held on Monday. The investment, spent over the next three years, aims to secure a sustainable future for the ExxonMobil site while supporting the local economy and communities affected by its closure.
The meeting was attended by representatives from both governments, including Kirsty McNeill MP and Kate Forbes MSP, as well as local MPs, MSPs, councillors, and community council members.
Production at the site, which operated for more than 40 years, came to an end earlier this year following the closure announcement in November. Decommissioning work is expected to finish by 2028.
ExxonMobil was reported to have been losing around £1 million a week in the months leading up to the decision.
Cllr Alex Campbell said: "It was a very constructive meeting. The UK Government matched the £9m funding, and it's extremely welcome. All the partnerships are working well together.
"There are 180 members of staff being made redundant, 25 have secured permanent employment locally, and 22 have been relocated."
110 workers will also remain on-site for the decommissioning and demolition works.
Cllr Campbell added that local firms, including Babcock and CR Smith, had been supportive in trying to help affected workers find new roles. He also confirmed that Exxon would donate £2 million worth of equipment to colleges for training purposes, with most of it going to Fife College and some to Forth Valley College.
The Scottish government announced last week that it would fund "training and support" for 350 ExxonMobil workers at Fife College, with a £1.3m fund being made available for courses in engineering, project management and health and safety.
David Barratt, Councillor for Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay and Cowdenbeath constituency candidate, said the news was "welcome" but said that the lack of funding until this point had been "notable".
He also said: "My understanding is that the UK Government funding will be contingent on investable proposals coming forward, while the first tranche of Scottish Government funding is already being used to support the workforce through a partnership with Fife College. Supporting those impacted remains the immediate priority."
The Times understands that the next task force meeting will address the future use of the site.
"The Task Force heard updates from a range of stakeholders, and it’s encouraging to see a stronger partnership emerging across governments and agencies. With both governments now contributing, alongside Scottish Enterprise and others, I’m increasingly confident there is a positive future for the site," Cllr Barratt added.
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