Concerns over UK’s nuclear programme

CO WICKLOW PPN held a meeting in conjunction with the Irish Environmental Network in relation to the UK’s proposals to expand their nuclear programme and the implications this could have for Ireland.

Concerns about the UK’s nuclear expansion program and Ireland’s failures to consult with the Irish public were discussed in An Tairseach, Wicklow town.

Attendees heard that there are eight new nuclear plants proposed in the UK, five of which are to be located on the west coast of the UK facing Ireland.

The UK is also considering the development of geological underground or undersea storage for radioactive waste, including locations in Northern Ireland and under marine waters.

While the UK Government organised a number of consultations, they weren’t brought to the attention of the Irish public despite repeated calls from environmental groups for the Irish people to have their say on such developments. The planed Hinkley Point C nuclear power station is located less than 250km from Rosslare.

Speaking at the meeting, Professor John Sweeney, Emeritus Professor of Geography at the National University of Ireland, said: ‘ There were serious issues with the modelling done by the UK in assessing the risk of transboundary impacts from Hinkley Point C on Ireland in the event of an accident, and these issues are still valid today.

‘Accidents by their very nature are accidental and catch us by surprise, exploiting unexpected consolidations of events, errors or omissions.’

After five years of intense legal battle, in which Irish environmental groups such as An Taisce and Friends of the Irish Environment and the Environmental Pillar fought to uphold the rights of the Irish public, a consultation finally began recently and is set to close on April 17.

The briefing highlighted the importance of individuals submitting their views to the consultation for Hinkley Point C.

Attendees heard that the Irish government still has a course of action to use in order to gain an extension for the consultation on behalf of the Irish public.

Attendees were strongly advised to write to their local councillors and TDs to ask the government to use a course action open to them by gaining a extension to the consultation period for concerned Irish citizens.