Nuclear power must be considered

HOW is it possible to produce a serious policy document on future energy needs without addressing the option of nuclear power?

Given the planned British interconnectors, the Irish Government has no principled objection to using nuclear-generated electricity. So, presumably, the main objection is the dilemma of dealing with nuclear waste.

We already have a huge nuclear waste facility on our doorstep and, however much we huff and puff, Sellafield is there to stay.

So we end up in the ridiculous situation where we are stuck with the major downside of nuclear energy but have none of its benefits.

One nuclear power plant could supply all our electricity needs, massively reduce oil and gas imports, drastically reduce carbon emissions and secure future energy requirements. The waste, of course, goes to Sellafield. It sounds to me like a win-win situation.

Have our objections to Sellafield have painted us into an irrational corner on this issue?

Dick Keane

35 Silchester Park

Glenageary

Co Dublin