THE MAYOR OF LIMERICK has written to the Taoiseach to suggest the creation of forum to discuss ongoing concerns about Limerick refinery Aughinish Alumina.

John Moran suggested that the forum could support workers, trade unions, suppliers and the wider community as uncertainty continues around the future of the refinery.

The proposal comes as discussions continue about whether the Russian-owned Limerick plant should be sanctioned, after it emerged in March that alumina made at the refinery may be linked to sanctioned manufacturers supplying weapons used against Ukraine.

The government is coming under increasing pressure to sanction exports from the plant, with an investigation into the alleged links with Russia expected to conclude “within a number of weeks”. Meanwhile, the company has said that it complies with EU sanctions and trade rules. 

Last week, the European Parliament passed a non-binding vote that called for a ban on the export of all alumina to Russia.

Separately, under a new deal reached in June, Aughinish Alumina would be required to pay the costs of closing down the plant, as well as repairing damage to the environment in the area in the case of its closure. 

In his letter to the Taoiseach and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, Moran said that he hoped a forum would improve communication between the various stakeholders, and more fully prepare people for decisions taken at the European level. 

“I know the uncertainty is weighing heavily on employees, their families, suppliers and the wider community,” Moran said. “They deserve clear communication and they deserve to know that every level of Government is preparing responsibly for every eventuality.”

Hundreds of people are employed at the plant, which is Europe’s largest alumina refinery, supplying around 30% of the EU’s alumina.

Moran stressed that the proposal is intended to complement the work already being undertaken, and suggested that regional employment and economic taskforce arrangements used previously by the government could provide a useful model.

He also reaffirmed his support for Ukraine. “Standing with Ukraine and standing with the workers and families of Aughinish Alumina are not conflicting positions.

“Ireland can continue to uphold its international responsibilities while also ensuring that communities like ours are not forgotten in the process.

“Whatever decisions are ultimately taken at European level, Limerick must have a seat at the table to consider the implications of that.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also said he welcomes Ireland’s investigation into the exports of Aughinish Alumina, and that he hopes a finding will soon be brought forward.