• [Irish Mirror Icon]
• News
• Irish News
• Ukraine crisis

'No adverse findings' in Aughinish Alumina report as EU Commission will consider investigation

Employment Minister Peter Burke announced today that he received the report into the alleged breaches of sanctions by Aughinish Alumina

[Aughinish Alumina, Co Limerick]

View Image

Aughinish Alumina, Co Limerick

There has been no adverse findings in the report into the Russian-owned Limerick plant Aughinish Alumina.

Ireland has been at the centre of controversy internationally after the Irish Times reported that materials being exported from the plant were potentially being used to fuel Putins war on Ukraine.

This prompted the Irish government to launch an investigation into the plant. On Thursday, Taoiseach Michel Martin said this report couldnt determine whether materials from the plant were being used in missiles to attack Ukraine.

Speaking in Kyiv following a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mr Martin said the report wouldnt be published publicly as it included sensitive information.

However, he said the findings would be made available. Employment Minister Peter Burke announced today that he received the report into the alleged breaches of sanctions by Aughinish Alumina.

He also shared this report with the European Commission yesterday morning, and said the matter is now with its sanction department for consideration.

In a statement, Minister Burke said: I can confirm that no adverse findings have been determined in relation to the export of alumina to Russia by the company.

"The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is the national competent authority for enforcing certain aspects of trade and export sanctions.

The Enterprise Minister said the independent review assessed information contained in media coverage, conducted its own research and engaged with other jurisdictions including Sweden and Ukraine.

However, he said there was no evidence corroborating the media assertions could be found.

Minister Burke continued: While the media articles allege that alumina from Limerick may be part of purchases made by a company named ASK on behalf of Russian military contractors, it is relevant to note that the articles include a statement that the investigating journalists could not track the final destination of a specific batch of Aughinishs alumina.

He added that his department made every effort to substantiate these claims but there is a lack of verifiable internal trade data within Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Minister Burke reiterated that there is no information of a sufficient evidentiary level currently available to confirm the assertions that alumina from Ireland is entering the supply chain of Russian military contractors.

However, he said his department will continue to monitor events and assess any further information or reports of potential sanctions breaches.

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.

[Irish Mirror Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Irish Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.