More than thirty years of health issues and environmental degradation in the beautiful area near Askeaton, North West Limerick - home to the Aughinish Alumina Plant - has continued to meet unheeding ears from the Government and the EPA. It has been exacerbated by recent developments at the Plant which threaten the very life of the Shannon Estuary.

The Plant already has permission to blast rock on-site to provide stone to expand the area of storage for toxic bauxite residue, the result of the alumina extraction process (the infamous 'red mud'). It is due to commence in May or June and would take place right next to more than 50 million tonnes of this toxic waste. A nearby quarry would be a perfectly workable alternative solution.

The area earmarked is also frighteningly close to the embankment of the Shannon Estuary.  A large leakage of this 'red mud' into the estuary could be catastrophic. Remember the ecological disaster in Hungary?* 

Much of the economy of Clare and the Mid-West rests on nature tourism. We would be fools to sit back and allow this environmental degradation to continue. And the famous bottle-necked dolphins that live all year round in the estuary - such a draw to tourists - would be severely impacted by the noise of the blasting.

Despite inadequate environmental assessment and no consultation with the local community, the Company Rusal who presently own the Alumina Plant have now lodged a further application with An Bord Pleanala to extend this area for rock blasting and heighten the toxic waste dump.

We all have the responsibility of engaging on behalf of future generations and the health of the natural world. Local action can be the most powerful. We must stop the rock blasting and demand adequate environmental regulation - as well as justice and compensation for the farming families who’ve suffered in the shadow of the Plant for so long. Please sign this petition to show Aughinish Alumina that we do NOT agree with their plans. This will be sent to CEO of Limerick County Council Pat Daly and An Bord Pleanala. Together we can show we will NOT let this continue. If you wish to get more involved, please follow developments at https://www.facebook.com/futureproofclare Or email us at futureproofclare@gmail.com.

*https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/oct/05/hungary-toxic-sludge-spill