Security stepped up at Sellafield

Security chiefs at Sellafield say safety at the Cumbria plant has been reviewed in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US.

Speaking in Co Louth today, the company's head of security also indicated a willingness to discuss the review with the Radiological Protection Institute here.

Since the attacks, there has been growing concern over the possible fallout if Sellafield was to be targeted by terrorists. John Clarke conceded any such incident would be a catastrophe, but primarily for the ten thousand people working there.

He added British Nuclear Fuels is satisfied that existing emergency arrangements would work to contain the offsite impact of any radioactive release.