Going nuclear is most effective and safest way

Further to the comment, in the Irish Examiner, Friday, August 7, that the Government is under pressure to revisit the nuclear option. 

The Irish nuclear lobby, BENE (Better Environment with Nuclear Energy), of which I am a member, has, for many years, been promoting the advantages of nuclear power.

It is the most efficient, effective and safe system of energy generation, and has a positive impact on reducing greenhouse gases.

The French have no issue and 90% of their energy needs are being provided by nuclear, and neither should Ireland have an issue. Most educated Irish people would favour nuclear, given that, as a small country, we are being held hostage to the escalating costs of imported fossil fuels and because oil resources are in geopolitically volatile Middle East regions.

Unfortunately, Ireland did not avail of the opportunity to press ahead in the 1970s with the construction of the Carinsore nuclear power facility. Had it done so, energy costs today, in Ireland, would be lower and our energy needs would be secure.

Patrick L O’Brien MSc (NUI)

Toll House

Victoria Cross

Cork