Cullen calls for clarification over plans for Sellafield plant

THE Government has demanded clarification from Britain following conflicting reports about plans to close the THORP nuclear reprocessing facility at Sellafield.

The Guardian newspaper yesterday reported the controversial operation was to be wound down over the next seven years and close completely by 2010 for conversion to a waste storage facility.

British Nuclear Fuels, which owns and operates Sellafield, initially disputed the report, despite The Guardian’s insistence on its accuracy. However, the company later issued a statement saying it was not possible to say when exactly the facility would close.