Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 98: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the recent decision of the British Courts on the UK Government's plans to expand its nuclear power network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7414/07]

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 123: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed development of new nuclear power stations in the UK; if he is opposing such development; the discussions he has had with the UK authorities on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7441/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 123 together.

The Green Paper on European Energy Policy, published in March 2006 by the European Commission, recognised that the use of nuclear power was a matter for decision by each Member State.

While it is a matter for the UK to decide on its energy mix, the issues for Ireland arising from decisions made by the UK on nuclear policy are well known and long standing. The issue of reprocessing operations at Sellafield raises particular concerns for Ireland and the Energy Review as published was silent on any future role for reprocessing in the context of UK new build. This issue was particularly addressed in a submission by my Department to the UK Energy Review Consultation that also reiterated Ireland's concerns on radioactive discharges to the Irish Sea, the danger of accidents, the continued reprocessing of spent fuel, the threat of terrorist attacks on nuclear facilities, proliferation issues, marine transports of nuclear fuel as well as waste and the risks arising from the proximity of nuclear power stations located in the UK to Ireland itself.

These issues are raised directly and regularly at official and Ministerial level with the UK and most recently were addressed by me in my meeting with Alistair Darling, M.P., Secretary of State for the Department of Trade and Industry on 9 January.

I am aware of the recent judicial review by the UK courts of the Energy Review consultation which determined that the consultation process was inadequate. As this finding was procedural rather than substantive, it would not appear to offer any new approach to pursuing Ireland's concerns. These will continue to be pressed through the channels referred to above.