Ireland has various energy alternatives
These could be wave or tidal power which, as an island, we have more of than most other countries; biomass, which, due to our warm, damp climate, we produce at a higher rate than most other countries; solar thermal or photovoltaics, for which we have more resources than most other countries on the same latitude.
In addition, if we used the energy we do have less wastefully then we would have less demand. It is unpopular to suggest a reduction in use in a country so successful in expansion but this saving could be through efficiency not reduction of production.
Why should the choice have to be wind or nuclear? Nuclear is irresponsible not only because of the potential of catastrophic disaster but also because of the production of dangerous and long-lasting waste. Apart from the economics of the fact that Ireland isn’t a high enough user of energy to require a nuclear reactor, perhaps those who have a problem with the visual intrusion, noise or interference of wind turbines should be given the choice of either that or a nuclear reactor in their area.
It is not a question of Ireland being less capable of taking responsibility for nuclear power but of her being more capable of producing energy in a way which is more socially and environmentally aware.
The issue of global warming is a complex one and it demands a complex answer. If we do not have a safe alternative to the polluting fuels we now use, then let us take the responsibility to develop the variety of fledgling solutions we do have to create a network of power-generating methodologies that will work for a progressive country.
Let our Government fund the development of these technologies to an extent beyond the funds set aside for purchasing carbon credit from more responsible nations, which have had the foresight to develop non-polluting energy sources for their countries.
Cathal O’Boyle
Gardiner’s Hill
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