EU court ruling poses threat to plant jobs

THE European Court of Justice is to issue a ruling today which could pose a threat to the future of some jobs at the Aughinish Alumina plant in Askeaton, Co Limerick.

The Luxembourg-based court will make a finding on an application brought by the company and supported by the Government against a decision by the European Commission to end an exemption from paying tax on oil used in the production of alumina.

Officials in Brussels claimed the exemption had effectively constituted State aid for Aughinish — one of the largest employers in the Shannon region.