Task force to discuss Irish Sea nuclear shipment

A task force chaired by Defence Minister Michael Smith is to meet next week to discuss the shipment of mixed-oxide (MOX) nuclear fuel being returned to Sellafield through the Irish Sea.

The MOX fuel was originally sent from Sellafield to Japan, but the Japanese authorities sent it back after Sellafield owners British Nuclear Fuels admitted falsifying safety data.

The Government has already ruled out sending Irish naval vessels to escort the shipment, but the emergency task force established after last year’s attacks on the US is believed to be considering such a move.

The MOX is due to arrive in the Irish Sea on two ships in mid-September.