Allen clashes with British ambassador

THE new British ambassador Stewart Eldon has clashed with Fine Gael environment spokesman Bernard Allen over the safety of Sellafield.

Responding to Deputy Allen's declaration that it was time for the Government to declare war on the British nuclear industry, Mr Eldon says the comments are unhelpful in light of the threat of terrorist attacks.

"Let us have the debate by all means, but let us do it against the background of proper scientific fact rather than declaring unconditional war on the British nuclear industry which is scarcely helpful in the context of efforts to prevent terrorist attacks," he says in a letter to the Cork North-Central TD.

Responding to the criticism, Mr Allen says his statement regarding unconditional war was made in the context of political activity and should not be misinterpreted in the context of terrorist attacks.

Mr Eldon also says the problems identified in the Irish media are British problems too.

"We have no interest in polluting our own waters or anyone's waters. We have no interest in a nuclear accident, which would pollute the Lake District. And we have absolutely no interest in Sellafield becoming a target for a terrorist attack. We do have an interest in making sure these issues are addressed properly," he said.

Next month Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Mr Allen will visit Sellafield. But Mr Allen also raised concerns about the British government's refusal to allow scientists from the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) onto the Sellafield site.

In a return letter to Mr Eldon, who was only appointed last month, Mr Allen accepts there are joint concerns on the issue, but said Britain benefits economically from the plant, while Ireland does not benefit but bears the risks posed by an accident.

Mr Eldon claims the RPII has said there is no significant risk to anyone in Ireland from discharges from Sellafield.