Greens reject call for Ireland to consider nuclear power

The Green Party has rejected suggestions that Ireland should consider nuclear power to meet its future energy needs.

The suggestion was recently put forward by Forfás, the State's national advisory board for science, technology and innovation.

Forfás says nuclear energy should be considered in the long term as Ireland is currently too dependent on oil.

However, the Greens said today that viable alternatives that would not damage the environment are available.

The party says efforts to reduce Ireland's oil dependence should be focused on areas like wind and wave power rather than the expensive and unsuitable nuclear option.