Aughinish expansion in Limerick back before planners
A PROPOSED expansion of an aluminium refinery in West Limerick which would keep it operating until 2039 is back before planners.
Aughinish Alumina, controlled by the Russian energy giant Rusal, is looking at ramping up its activity at its facility on the Shannon Estuary.
The firm is seeking to extend the area where bauxite residue - a waste product from the alumina production process - is stored.
Aughinish Alumina employs almost 500 people, plus in the region of 400 contractors.
Its importance to the local economy has been thrown into sharp focus with the proposed wind-down of Wyeth in nearby Askeaton with the potential loss of hundreds of jobs.
An Bord Pleanala had approved Rusal’s expansion plan already.
But last May, a community group, Futureproof Clare won a High Court challenge seeking to quash the decision of the planning authority.
They argued that it lay close to two protected nature sites, and warned that the continued operation of the plant could lead to major environmental issues both locally and nationally.
It was expected Rusal would return with a fresh application and this is the case, with An Bord Pleanala due to make a decision by March 6, 2024.
Futureproof Clare activist Sinéad Sheehan admitted it’s no surprise to see the application back up for deliberation.
“Futureproof Clare remains of the view, that both as a matter of law and planning policy that permission for the bauxite residue disposal area should be refused. We remain steadfast in our opposition to the proposed development, which we consider runs contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the region,” she said.
However, local councillor Adam Teskey said: “There is a reality that people must accept they are major employers in this area.
If there were to be any further economic challenges to west Limerick, we would be economically and financially decimated.”
The Adare/Rathkeale member said there’s an “onerous responsibility to future proof Rusal’s needs.”