Kenny demands Irish Sellafield access

Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny today demanded that Irish nuclear safety experts from the RPII be allowed to inspect the Sellafield nuclear plant.

Mr Kenny was speaking after a Fine Gael visit to the plant.

He was accompanied on his visit by the Fine Gael Environment spokesman Bernard Allen, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, Deputy Paul Kehoe and by Colm MacEochaidh.

"Despite the fact that Sellafield and other nuclear installations are a potential target for international terrorism post September 11, Ireland's nuclear experts have not been allowed to visit the Sellafield plant for over three years," said Deputy Kenny.

"Given the potentially catastrophic implication of a terrorist attack against Sellafield for this country, I believe that the RPII must be given access to the plant as a matter of urgency," he added.

BNFL management said they have no objection to such access but say they are precluded from doing so by British government regulatory authority.