Limerick plant approved for fast-track planning

Aughinish Alumina had claimed the extension to their plant at Foynes was of strategic economic importance to the State and the mid-west region

The Aughinish Alumina Refinery on the Shannon Estuary near Foynes Co Limerick which produces bauxite, a critical raw material in Europe because of its importance in the aluminium “value chain”.

Aughinish Alumina has secured approval for its plans for an extension of its large plant near Foynes, Co Limerick to be considered under the fast-track planning process for large strategic projects.

An Bord Pleanála has ruled that a proposed extension of an extraction facility at Europe’s largest alumina plant can be considered a strategic infrastructure development which means the company can apply directly to the board for planning permission without first having to apply to Limerick City and County Council.