Ireland withholds Aughinish Alumina correspondence over commercial sensitivity concerns

Ireland’s Department of Enterprise has refused to release correspondence with Aughinish Alumina, saying the information was provided in confidence and could potentially affect the Limerick refinery’s business if disclosed.

The decision follows the Irish government’s earlier review of allegations concerning alumina exports from the refinery to Russia. That review found no adverse findings against Aughinish Alumina. It said the Department found “no evidence corroborating the media assertions” after seeking information from bodies inside and outside Ireland.

The latest issue relates to correspondence between the Department of Enterprise and Aughinish Alumina management. A Freedom of Information request was submitted on June 17 seeking access to the documents, but the Department refused to release part of the correspondence in mid-August.

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Two emails were released. One, dated May 28, 2026, was sent by Aughinish Alumina Managing Director Ciaran Kelleher to Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke and referred to a letter concerning the potential impact of trade restrictions on Aughinish, Ireland and the wider European economy. The Department acknowledged the correspondence the following day.

However, the contents of the attached letter were withheld. The Department's FOI officer said the information had been “obtained in confidence” and contained “commercially sensitive” material. The Department also argued that disclosure could damage the refinery's business.

Aughinish Alumina has remained under scrutiny following media allegations that alumina from the Limerick refinery could have entered supply chains linked to Russia's military industry. However, the Irish government's review said it could not find evidence to a sufficient evidentiary standard to confirm those assertions. 

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The issue has also highlighted the importance of alumina within the wider European aluminium supply chain. Earlier, Irish officials stressed the need to consider the economic importance of the refinery, employment and European supply security when examining possible future measures affecting Aughinish Alumina. The Irish government has submitted the findings of its review to the European Commission for further consideration.