FG: Sellafield discharges set to increase

Fine Gael has claimed that British Nuclear Fuels is planning to increase discharges from Sellafield once new operations begin at the nuclear plant shortly.

Party spokesman Bernard Allen said BNFL representatives had confirmed the plans to a Fine Gael delegation that visited Sellafield this week.

He said certain radioactive discharges into the Irish Sea would increase for a period of up to 20 years due to the new operation.

Mr Allen said: "It seems incredible that the Irish Government did not know about this and, if they did, I'm asking why did they not make this information available to the Irish public."

He also called on the Government to demand a meeting with British officials to discuss the matter.