Fine Gael MEPs «Deeply Concerned» by Russian-Owned Limerick Alumina Plant Reports

Four Fine Gael MEPs—Seán Kelly, Maria Walsh, Regina Doherty, and Nina Carberry—have expressed deep concern over reports that the Russian-owned Aughinish Alumina refinery in Co Limerick may be supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The plant, Europe’s largest alumina refinery, employs 450 people and is owned by Rusal, a company headed by sanctioned Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska.

Investigations by European media, including The Irish Times, suggest alumina from the Limerick plant is converted into aluminium in Russia, then allegedly sold to weapons manufacturers. While The Irish Times reported 83% of the plant's alumina was exported to Russia, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke stated the figure is around 45% and confirmed his department is investigating. The MEPs welcomed this investigation, emphasizing its importance for understanding the situation fully and swiftly.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin previously argued against sanctioning Aughinish Alumina, citing potential negative impacts on the EU and job losses at the Limerick plant. However, Sinn Féin spokesperson Rose Conway Walsh TD called for urgent clarification of the facts, stating that protecting jobs should not prevent legitimate scrutiny of the plant's exports.