The Deirdre O'Shaughnessy Podcast: Is Ireland ready for nuclear power?

Questions over energy security, renewables, and political support are fuelling renewed debate around nuclear power in Ireland

John Gibbons explores whether nuclear power has a future in Ireland after Micheál Martin reignites debate.

Last Monday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin reopened the half-century-old debate about nuclear power, saying Ireland’s reliance on imported energy must come to an end.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner’s Louise Burne in Armenia, the Taoiseach said “we should explore all avenues” to ensure energy sovereignty, including renewables and examining advances in nuclear technology.

James O'Connor, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork East has now drafted legislation that would legalise nuclear energy.

But would such legislation have any chance of passing in a Dáil where many TDs have objected to solar farms and wind farms in their own constituencies — and is nuclear power really necessary?

Environmental journalist John Gibbons recently wrote about the issue for the Irish Examiner and is the guest on today’s Deirdre O'Shaughnessy Podcast.

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