Fresh calls to investigate bauxite produced by Rusal Aughinish

There have been fresh calls this week for an investigation to take place on the disposal of red bauxite on the banks of the Shannon, which comes from the Rusal Aughinish site.

The Russian-owned company, which produces alumina, is two years into a project which sees the disposal of 1.2m tonnes of red bauxite residue each year.

Almost 25m tonnes of the liquid has already been deposited on the land bank adjacent since the plant’s opening, leading to concern from farmers and other locals.

This week, the former chairman of the Shannon Basin River Forum, Cllr Jim Long, held meetings with the Cappagh Farmers Group, who have been raising their concerns over the environmental impact of the plant for several years.

Although the Environmental Protection Agency has given Rusal – which employs more than 450 people in Aughinish – the green light to continue production in the coming years, Cllr Long wants the government body to look at the situation again.

New figures out this week have shown that revenue at the site dipped to $24m - a 2.5% dip year-on-year - last year.

The firm recorded pre-tax losses of more than €7.5m last year.

Indeed, Rusal has secured permission to move onto a disused farm complex, in a move which will see the buildings demolished, and used for output.

Cllr Long argued that a recycling plant could be cited next to the vast refinery, both helping the environment and giving West Limerick a jobs boost.

Pat Geoghegan of the Cappagh Farmers Group said they are “at breaking point” in trying to deal with the bauxite.

Meanwhile, likely Fianna Fail local election candidate Emmet O’Brien has called for a public inquiry into suggestions that a report carried out by the EPA into possible links between pollution and animal and human health problems was flawed.

The Pallaskenry man said it is key the local community have all their questions answered.

Mr O’Brien has spoken to a number of farmers in the communities around Askeaton.

The company is one of the largest employers in County Limerick. It returned to full production in 2010, following job cuts in 2009 when production work stopped due to the economic climate.

The first granules of alumina were produced at Aughinish on September 24, 1983. Last week the company marked 30 years of alumina production with a number of celebratory events for staff members.