Nuclear power is not the answer

We read with concern your editorial (May 22) which suggests, following the publication of the Radiological Protection Institute’s (RPI) report on a “low risk” to Ireland from a UK new nuclear programme, now is the time to reconsider nuclear power in Ireland.

That seems a strange extrapolation to make of a report which still suggests significant socio-economic risks to Ireland in the event of a very severe nuclear accident. Apart from the radiation risks, there are many other risks, such as investor risk, financial risks and reputational risk, to consider. Look at the many risks that have come up with the incinerator development in Ringsend as an alternative example. Our view on the RPI report is that the whole island of Ireland would be exposed to some element of risk, however high or low, but would not receive any benefits from the UK’s proposed new nuclear programme. We should therefore take the same approach as Norway, that has strenuously objected to the imposition of such external risks from the UK’s nuclear programme. In our view, the Government should call for the UK’s proposed new nuclear power stations to not be built at all, the UK’s extensive radioactive waste legacy to be managed more safely, and the UK’s existing nuclear power stations be decommissioned as soon as possible.

Does the Irish Examiner know how much it would cost to build nuclear power stations in Ireland?

It would cost billions for a robust safety system, and more again for each reactor required. There is actually no inevitability that new nuclear power stations will be built in the UK, as the money still doesn’t stack up for it. Ireland, north and south, should grasp an alternative nettle and put its political will into a wide renewable energy mix, energy efficiency and micro-generation. If it does, it still won’t be too late to fix our future energy needs.

Cllr Mark Dearey & Cllr Michael Carr

Co-Chairs

Nuclear Free Local Authorities All Ireland Forum

C/o Council Offices

Newry

Co Down