Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE) | Oireachtas source

Aughinish Alumina in Limerick said today it is beginning rock blasting to build yet another massive pit for storing toxic red mud. The new pond will be 8 m deep and 4.5 ha large, storing 40 million tonnes of waste right by the River Shannon. It is a disaster waiting to happen. Last month, I raised with the Taoiseach new evidence showing there was IDA Ireland interference in the previous investigation of the health impacts. Sitting in the Gallery that day were Pat and Nuala Geoghegan, whose farm animals died and whose personal health suffered greatly.

They are protesting outside the Dáil now and calling for a fresh investigation that is truly independent and without interference. Last month, I did not get a straight answer. Will the Taoiseach, at the very least, give a straight answer as to whether he will support the call for a new investigation into the health and environmental impacts of Aughinish Alumina?

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