Ireland Won't Cherrypick Sanctions Despite Aughinish Alumina's Grid Warning

Tánaiste Simon Harris stated Ireland cannot cherrypick companies for sanctions against Russia based on domestic cost. This follows reports that Aughinish Alumina, a Limerick refinery, warned the government that sanctioning its alumina sales to Moscow would impact Ireland's national gas and electricity grids. The refinery is under scrutiny for its raw materials allegedly ending up in Russian weapons.

Harris noted Aughinish Alumina's assurances that its aluminum is not used for Russian weapons, but the Department of Enterprise is conducting an independent investigation to verify these claims. He emphasized that the European Commission considers and proposes sanctions, and member states then decide. Harris hopes for further EU sanctions soon.

Despite discussions among EU member states regarding sanctions on Aughinish Alumina or its product, the European Commission has decided not to propose them at this time. Harris reiterated that the Commission recommends sanctions based on available information, and Ireland's Department of Enterprise is also investigating.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, however, argued that sanctions on Aughinish Alumina would not significantly impact Russia but would harm Europe more, affecting plants in Sweden and France and leading to strong inflation. He highlighted the refinery's role in the EU supply chain and its 1,000 direct jobs, stressing the importance of not damaging Europe more than Russia.