Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

74. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the actions his Department will be taking concerning breaches in view of the decision of the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee recommendations concerning environmental impact assessment on the Hinkley Point nuclear reactors in Britain. [41834/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I refer the reply to Question No 1468 of 11 September 2017 on the issue of the Aarhus Convention.  

In relation to the development of the Hinkley Point C new nuclear power plant, I can advise the Deputy that my Department has taken a keen interest in the project since it was initially proposed. It formed part of a study by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, now merged with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), of all proposed new nuclear build projects in the United Kingdom. The study was published in 2013.

Ireland enjoys a close working relationship with the United Kingdom on radiological matters of mutual interest. This relationship is formalised through a UK-Ireland Contact Group which meets biannually.  The UK's new nuclear build programme, including Hinkley Point C, is a standing agenda item at these meetings. 

Senior officials from my Department and the EPA have been invited to visit the site to learn more about the project. This visit will take place shortly.

Ireland’s established position is that, while not a nuclear energy producing country, we acknowledge the right of States to determine their own energy mix. However, we expect that, where a State chooses to develop a nuclear power industry, this will be done in line with the highest international standards with respect to safety and environmental protection.