Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae is urging people not to have knee-jerk reactions, amid concerns over links between Aughinish Alumina and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Yesterday, four Fine Gael MEPs issued a joint statement expressing concern over reports that material exported from Ireland may be contributing to Russia’s war cause.
The statement from the Fine Gael MEPs, including Kerry’s Seán Kelly, said they were deeply concerned by reports suggesting that alumina exported from the Aughinish Alumina plant in Limerick may ultimately be supporting Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine.
Reports had claimed that the alumina which is extracted from bauxite at the plant, is being exported to Russia, where it is eventually used to support Russia’s war cause.
The company has denied this, but the claims are being investigated.
Kerry Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae has issued a statement today, saying he believes it’s important for everybody to take a step back and allow due process to take its course when it comes to ongoing issues surrounding the company.
He says what concerns him greatly is very little consideration appears to be given to the hundreds of families in North Kerry and West Limerick, whose livelihoods depend directly and indirectly on Aughinish, as the plant is one of the most significant employers in the region.
Deputy Healy-Rae says he understands the concerns being raised, but nobody should be seeking to prejudge the outcome of an investigation, or advocating measures that could put jobs at risk before all facts are known.
The Independent TD says if wrongdoing is found, it must be dealt with appropriately, but people must avoid knee-jerk reactions that could have unintended consequences for workers and their families.
He said the people of North Kerry and West Limerick deserve certainty, fairness and due process, and they should not be collateral damage in a debate while facts are being established.
