Press Release: Aughinish Alumina Dumping at Sea Licence will damage the Shannon Estuary

Futureproof Clare Press Release 30th June 2025

EPA permitting Aughinish Alumina a further Dumping at Sea Licence will damage the Shannon Estuary say environmental campaigners

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted a new licence to Russian-owned alumina refinery Aughinish Alumina to extend its dredging operations around Foynes port and to dump dredged materials at a new dredging site near Foynes Island. 

The 10-year dredging and dumping at sea licence was granted by the EPA despite local objections from individuals and groups expressing concerns for the wellbeing of the Shannon Estuary. 

“This latest decision in relation to the River Shannon to allow loud and heavy machinery to dredge up materials from around the port and to transport them further out along the estuary is deeply worrying and upsetting” said Sinéad Sheehan, campaigner with Futureproof Clare. “I find it hard to believe that the EPA has properly taken into account the welfare of the river, particularly the remaining wildlife such as bottlenose dolphins, salmon, otter and other species, in their decision to grant permission to Aughinish for even more dredging and dumping then they have engaged in before.

“Basically, the EPA has just allowed the equivalent of 5,000 double decker buses full dredged materials to be dumped by a facility that produces literally millions of tonnes of toxic waste and piles it on the banks of the Shannon Estuary. 

“We feel deeply let down by all of the so-called authorities that are meant to care about Ireland’s natural resources including water, air and land. Aughinish Alumina is a blight on the local landscape and is a deeply problematic development on so many levels. However, there are many of us who recognise the importance of protecting the River Shannon and surrounding areas and we will continue to campaign to highlight the environmental impact of Aughinish Alumina”. 

Futureproof Clare are now consulting with our legal team in relation to the possibility of challenging the decision of the EPA. The group has previously taken a high court case against the proposed expansion of Aughinish Alumina waste disposal area. The case has been remitted to An Bord Pleanála who have granted permission for the expansion. Futureproof have applied for leave to take another judicial review against the latest ABP decision and are awaiting the outcome of their application. 

Contact: Sinéad Sheehan

futureproofclare@gmail.com

0858267751