1092. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on the status of a company (details supplied). [63332/26]

Aughinish Alumina Ltd (AAL) is located near Askeaton, Co. Limerick. AAL refines alumina from imported bauxite and that alumina is exported to smelters and other refineries to be used in the production of aluminium, which is the second most-used metal after steel. It is Ireland’s only alumina refinery.

The economic benefits arising from AAL are significant, especially to the region. AAL employs over 800 people on the site in Askeaton, made up of over 450 permanent direct employees along with approximately 400 full-time contractors. In addition, Aughinish Alumina is the biggest user of the Port of Foynes, the largest ratepayer in Co. Limerick, and the county’s largest single-site user of energy which it generates from its own "CHP" (Combined Heat and Power) plants, with the unused balance sold to the Irish grid which can power approximately 200,000 homes.

A statement regarding the completion of a review by my Department relating to the company was issued on July 24th.