CAUSE FOR CONCERN
Outrage at plans to set up toxic facilities at tourism sites
already is, not shifted to a place with no nuclear industry or expertise.
“The [British] Department [of Energy] in the same report said any decision that is made in the North would have to be made by the Northern Irish Assembly, which is not sitting.
“So, at the minute it looks like it has stalled following the publication of this report – but that’s not allaying anyone’s fears.”
SDLP Assembly member Colin Mcgrath described a video outlining the Mournes as a possible site as “chilling”.
He said: “This announcement from the Government’s Radioactive Waste Management organisation that their investigations show a GDF is possible in places like the Mourne mountains beggars belief. Our areas of outstanding natural beauty and of significant environmental importance cannot become dumping grounds for British nuclear waste. We’ve been subjected to years of abnormal radioactive levels given our proximity to Sellafield and this news that Government agencies have been poking around our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to find holes for nuclear waste is beyond comprehension.”
A spokesperson for Radioactive Waste Management said 45 regions of the UK are included in their search for a site.
They added: “At this stage, no host site for a Geological Disposal Facility has
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been identified. In the continued absence of the Executive, no further commitments regarding the disposal of radioactive waste in Northern Ireland (including Newry) can be given.
“Accordingly, we can confirm that for the time being at least we will not pursue a siting process in Northern Ireland.”
Friends Of The Earth described the inclusion of the region in plans as “plutonium-fuelled madness” given the paramilitary threat, the border and the fact dangerous waste will have to be ferried across the Irish Sea.
Spokesman Declan Allison said: “Are we really to believe the Environment Agency can guarantee the safety of this dangerous waste for a million years?”
Areas of outstanding natural beauty can’t become dumping grounds for nuclear waste
COLIN MCGRATH SDLP ASSEMBLY MEMBER