Government should consider nuclear power, says ESB union

The union representing engineers and other professionals working for the ESB is calling for nuclear power to be considered in the debate on Ireland's future energy policies.

In a report out today, Amicus says the Government's recent white-paper proposals on energy was unrealistic and over-reliant on natural gas.

It also raises questions about the efficiency of wind energy, which it says requires a reserve system to guarantee security of supply, thereby reducing the environmental and economic benefits.

Amicus accepts that there are potential problems with accidents at nuclear plants and the disposal of nuclear waste.

However, it says nuclear power should still be considered as an option.

Elsewhere, the union is also seeking a national energy agency to oversee energy policy until 2020.