Setback in Rusal expansion bid
RUSAL’s plans to expand its facility in Limerick have suffered a setback after an environmental coalition secured High Court approval to challenge the planning permission received.
An Bord Pleanala has given the refinery at Aughinish in West Limerick, the green light to expand its bauxite residue disposal area – known as the ‘red mud pond'.
In filings before planning bodies, the firm says this ruling will ensure the plant can operate to at least 2039, and protect the almost 500 jobs on site.
However, now an alliance of environmental groups have been given leave by High Court Judge Richard Humphreys to seek a judicial review on the multi-million euro project.
This bid was launched by Futureproof Clare alongside Ecojustice Ireland and the Cappagh Farmers Group among others.
They have claimed that expanding the facility will potentially bring about the “largest environmental catastrophe ever in Ireland.”
Judge Humphreys granted the groups leave to appeal on January 23 last, with the case next up for mention in Dublin later this month.
“The expansion poses a significant threat to the health of our ecosystem and Futureproof Clare is committed to fighting this decision through all legal channels,” said the group in a statement.
Tim Hannon, a local resident and member of this group stated: “An Bord Pleanala’s decision to grant planning permission for the extension of the red mud disposal area did not examine the connection with the existing alumina production facility, and did not address the observed environmental impacts which were acknowledged in previous planning applications to An Bord Pleanala and industrial emissions licence applications to the EPA. Our legal advisors are of the opinion this represents an error of law by failing to take into account the overall environmental impacts of the Aughinish facility in deciding to permit further expansion.”
It was Sinead Sheehan, another member of the group, who claimed if the dam were to breach, “we would see the largest environmental catastrophe ever in Ireland.”
“Our legal team has advised us that Rusal did not carry out sufficient environmental assessment to determine the proposed expansion would be safe in the context of the environmental impact of already existing infrastructure there. The last thing we want is a red mud spill in an area of conservation on the Shannon,” she added.
Rusal did not return a request for comment from the Limerick Leader as the newspaper went to press.