Verdict reached on Rusal's plans for estuary in Limerick

RUSAL has secured planning permission to expand the area of the Shannon Estuary at Aughinish it can dispose bauxite residue in.

An Bord Pleanala has given the green light to the firm to construct the physical aspects of its plan.

This is to extend the disposal area beside its vast refinery where close to 500 people are employed.

It removes one hurdle for the company, which is still awaiting a licence for it to operate in the expanded area from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Representatives of Rusal have previously said that securing the expanded area and a licence to operate will mean the refinery can run until at least 2039.

It’s a move it has said will protect jobs at what will be West Limerick’s largest employer following the wind-down of Nestle in Askeaton.

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It’s the second time Rusal at Aughinish have made an application to An Bord Pleanala for the extension.

An environmental coalition secured approval to challenge the planning permission received in 2023.

The High Court quashed An Bord Pleanala’s original approval for the project in June 2023.

The challenge was launched by Futureproof Clare, Ecojustice Ireland, and the Cappagh Farmers Group among others.

They claimed expanding the facility will potentially bring about the “largest environmental catastrophe in Ireland”.

Now, following a fresh assessment, An Bord Pleanala has once again afforded permission to the multi-million euro proposals.

Rusal is seeking a licence from the EPA to dispose of up to 668,454 tonnes of dredged material from its plant over an eight year period.

As reported in the Limerick Leader, the environmental regulator has ordered a fresh period of consultation around the licence application.

This came following separate objections from environmental groups to the EPA.