ENVIRONMENTAL Trust Ireland (ETI) this Wednesday (March 4) will begin its High Court challenge against the Russian-owned Aughinish Alumina plant in County Limerick over its proposed expansion area, which will involve raising the bauxite red mud waste disposal area from 32 metres in height to 44 (144 feet).
ETI is also challenging the expansion of the aluminium oxide refinery’s quarry blasting area by an additional 9.6 acres to form a total quarry area of 20.75 acres.
The challenge is brought by ETI, an environmental protection organisation whose president is Limerick solicitor Michelle Hayes. It is represented by Hayes Solicitors Limerick.
Ms Hayes this week described the scenario as a “David v Goliath situation”.
“Environmental Trust Ireland is a voice for the environment and the protection of human health. Independent of political, commercial, and industrial interests. It exists to defend the natural environment where it is under threat and to safeguard communities from environmental harm,” Ms Hayes said.
A number of environmental concerns have been raised by ETI including claims that the quarry blasting area is beside the bauxite residue disposal area and there is a risk that quarry blasting with explosives will destabilise the red mud area and cause it to flow into the Shannon Estuary, resulting in potential environmental consequences.
“There are also concerns in relation to  the adverse impacts of quarry blasting noise and heavy metal contamination on the dolphins which inhabit the Shannon Estuary. The estuary is unique and biodiversity rich which is recognised and protected at European level. It is irreplaceable if compromised or destroyed,” Ms Hayes said.