An Irish Times investigation has linked the Aughinish plant in County Limerick to the supply chain for the Russian arms production industry.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that an investigation would commence into the findings of the investigation.
Aughinish Alumina is the biggest alumina refinery in Europe, and is owned by a company called Rusal, founded by Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska.
According to the CSO, Aughinish’s trade with Russia has grown from 23% of the plant’s business in 2020 to 68% in 2024.
The Process
The investigation shows how bauxite is imported into the plant from Brazil and Guinea before being turned into alumina at the plant, which is then exported to ports around Europe.
The Irish Times reported that much of this alumina is going to Russian smelters where it is being turned into aluminium.
The investigation, done alongside the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), claimed that this material is then sold to a company based in Moscow that supplies aluminium to the military industry in Russia.
Local Reaction
Fianna Fail TD for Limerick County and Minister of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Niall Collins, said that he thought there would be no real world impact of the Irish Times’ findings.
Collins said, “international supply chains are complex, when one sells a manufactured product who knows where it can end up.”
The Aughinish plant is situated in the local electoral area of Adare-Rathkeale.
Fianna Fail Councillor Ger Ward voiced his thoughts on the investigation; “I think it’s journalism looking for something to write about, there’s no real connection.”
He added, “there isn’t a ship with a Russian flag, it’s only part of the process.
“It would be very difficult to prove where it goes and even if it’s true it would be very hard to stop.”
Mr. Ward spoke about the impact on the local community in which the plant employs around 400 people.
“If by any chance this plant closed, it would have a huge impact on the local area.”
Fianna Fail Councillor Bridie Collins of the Adare-Rathkeale area said “this is a national matter, but with a local effect.”
Ms. Collins said “[Aughinish Alumina] are certainly one of the biggest rate payers for Limerick City and County Council.”
She also highlighted its role as one of the biggest employers in the area.
Ms. Collins said, “if it was in any other area, we would be frank.
“If it warrants an investigation, it warrants an investigation, though it is a huge economic driver in our area and is behind many mortgages and jobs.”
Independent Ireland Councillor for Adare-Rathkeale John O’Donoghue echoed the sentiment that the plant “was of huge importance” employment-wise for the local area.
“There’s no one going to work every morning and doing so thinking about making devices for warfare.”
He spoke about the Government’s promised investigation into the plant, revealing he “would be hugely disappointed if there was a direct link between Aughinish and warfare.”
All local representatives from the Adare-Rathkeale area were contacted for comment, as well as all TDs from Limerick County constituency.