Caught in the grip of a black gold fever

THE recent call by the Government’s think tank for the State to at least look at the nuclear option in terms of future energy needs should have sent shockwaves across the country.

However, the reaction was muted. In the 1970s when Dessie O’Malley, then Fianna Fáil Energy Minister and later PD founder wanted to build a nuclear plant at Carnsore Point, County Wexford, the nation revolted.

But the low key reaction to the suggestion by Forfás that we at least look at the nuclear option is indicative of just how much the nation overall realises it is in the grip of an energy quandary.