Co Clare residents launched a Dail protest over their concerns about Aughinish Alumina- Europe's largest bauxite refinery - which is located in across the Shannon in Limerick.
The refinery was built in 1983, by the world's second-largest aluminium company Rusal, and residents have protested on a number of different occasions about concerns they have over their health.
Protestors allege that increasing Rusal's capacity to rock blast will only worsen the public health issues and potential environmental problems.
Protestors say there is little clarity on how fifty million tonnes of unlined waste will be managed long-term, and that it is currently stockpiled within 10 metres of the River Shannon.
Local resident and member of 'Futureproof Clare', Tim Hannon, told the Mirror that Aughinish Alumina is known to those in power, and that he believes it has done immense damage to public health and the ecosystem of the Shannon estuary.
Mr Hannon added that the Shannon Estuary is due to experience a significant sea-level rise in the coming decades, and the toxic waste surrounding Aughinish Alumina is especially exposed, as it is already at water level.
"Will local people be left footing the bill when Rusal packs up and leaves?" Mr Hannon said.
In the Dail, People Before Profit TD, Paul Murphy asked Taoiseach Micheal Martin if he will get an answer for his call for a new investigation of the health and environmental impact of Aughinish Alumina.
He said there is evidence showing the health impact on the residents protesting outside the Dail and local animals.
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