Farmers concerned over caustic spill

A GROUP of farmers have raised concerns about the recent spillage of 50,000 litres of caustic soda at the Aughinish Alumina plant with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Cappagh Farmers Support Group chairman Patrick Sheehan raised questions about the reporting of the latest incident following a previous caustic soda spillage at the Limerick plant in May 2001.

Mr Sheehan said that Aughinish Alumina told the EPA in 2001 that the spillage was of minor significance and in the region of 50,000 litres. However, it was later revealed that the spill was 10 times that amount.