Environmental Trust Ireland initiates High Court proceedings against expansion of the Limerick Alumina

Environmental Trust Ireland, a voluntary, not-for-profit Irish Environmental Organisation, has initiated High Court proceedings against the proposed expansion of the Aughinish Alumina refinery in County Limerick.

The An Bord Pleanála approved proposals to expand the area where bauxite residue - a waste product of alumina production, also called "red mud" - is stored in September 2022.

Committed to safeguarding the environment and advancement and promoting environmental protection, conservation of the natural and built environment, biodiversity, wildlife, ecosystems and cultural and heritage preservation,  Environmental Trust Ireland, headed by Limerick City solicitor Michelle Hayes, has initiated judicial review proceedings against An Bord Pleanála and Aughinish Alumina Ltd over the proposed expansion.

Michelle Hayes said: “The quarry blasting area is beside the bauxite residue disposal area, and there is a real risk that the explosives will destabilise the radioactive red mud area and cause it to flow into the Shannon Estuary, resulting in potentially devastating environmental and human health consequences.”

“There is already seepage under the red mud area, and heavy metal contamination is present in groundwater, surface water and sediments,” Hayes added.

“There is a major aquifer of regional importance under the red mud area, and the quarry and the groundwater vulnerability is extreme. Groundwater is a major water source for domestic consumption in County Limerick.”