Irish Times Investigation Reveals Aughinish Alumina's Russian Links, Government Under Pressure
An Irish Times investigation revealed Aughinish Alumina ships products to Russian arms suppliers, contradicting the Irish government's claims. Pressure mounts on the government amid reports of Rusal's continued control by a sanctioned oligarch and revised export figures to Russia. Separately, a Dublin hospital defies a government order, and the paper covers various other national and international news, including the upcoming World Cup.
An Irish Times investigation, in collaboration with OCCRP, revealed that Aughinish Alumina in Co Limerick ships alumina to Russian smelters, which is then converted into aluminum and sold to a trading company supplying Russian arms manufacturers. This contradicts the Irish Coalition's stance that Aughinish is not connected to Russia's military industry.
The revelations raised questions about the government's prior knowledge and subsequent actions. Ministers deny prior knowledge but refuse to publish relevant briefing documents. The government initiated an internal Department of Enterprise investigation, balancing concerns with Aughinish's role as a major local employer.
Pressure intensified with a Swedish tax authority report concluding that Rusal, Aughinish's owner, remains controlled by sanctioned oligarch Oleg Deripaska. Aughinish initially reported 80% of its 2024 alumina exports went to Russia, later revising this to 51%. Columnist Justine McCarthy criticized this as «wilful ignorance» regarding Irish neutrality. The Irish government's defense rests on alumina not being an EU-sanctioned product and export restrictions harming Europe more than Russia, arguments the Irish Times editorial challenges given Russia's increased share of Aughinish's output.
Separately, The Rotunda, a Dublin maternity hospital, is defying a government order to stop public-only consultants from treating private patients, risking funding withdrawal. The Irish Times also covered the death of Naomi James in 2024 after a «free birth» at home, and the stabbing death of 21-year-old Qayyum Balogun in Dublin. Other topics include sex for rent, Irish Rail's unused €50 million computer system, and reflections on Donald Trump and a Swiss referendum. The upcoming World Cup in Mexico City, described as potentially the longest, biggest, and lowest-quality, is also previewed. The Irish Times announced two new correspondents: Killian Woods as Business Correspondent and Gavin Cooney as Sports Correspondent.