Taoiseach dismisses nuclear power as option for Ireland

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has again dismissed the idea of nuclear power as an energy option for Ireland.

The suggestion has been put forward by a number of scientists as a means of helping the country reduce its dependence on oil and gas.

However, speaking at a conference on the issue in Dublin today, Mr Ahern said he is not convinced by the arguments.

"I'm opposed to nuclear [power]," he said. "I've stressed that in the Dáil as late as yesterday.

"I've never believed in the merits of it from an environmental point of view or from a sustainable energy point of view."

"We must consider all the alternatives that are available to us, including the development of alternative technologies and promoting the uptake of more energy-efficient options."

His comments were later challenged by the head of Ireland's national energy agency, who said the Government would have little option but to consider nuclear power in the future.

Dr Morgan Brazilian of Sustainable Energy Ireland said the country would have to seriously look at nuclear energy as an alternative to fossil fuels from 2020 onwards.

However, he said it would not be an economically viable option up until then.