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Nuclear power rejected The fight against nuclear power
in Britain and Ireland will continue this week when a conference discussing
nuclear power developments takes place in Dublin.
The Central Hotel will welcome over 50 delegates from local authorities
in Britain and Ireland for the 9th Annual UK and Irish Local Authorities
Conference on Nuclear Hazards.
Dublin City Council and South Dublin City Council will host the conference
which includes an opening address from Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan
TD.
A report by state agency Forfás last year warned that Ireland will
face a liquid fuel crisis in 10 to 15 years and may have to develop a
nuclear power station to supply its electricity needs.
But Minister Ryan has indicated that the Irish Government will continue
to oppose the establishment of nuclear power in Ireland by refusing to
grant exploration licenses to companies seeking to mine Donegal hills
for the nuclear fuel uranium.
He said: “It would be hypocritical to permit the extraction of uranium
for use in nuclear reactors in other counties while the nuclear generation
of electricity is not allowed in Ireland.
“And particularly while the Irish Government continues to object
to the operation of nuclear power generation at Sellafield and other locations.”
Mr Ryan referred to Ireland following the example of others opposed to
the nuclear generation of electricity such as New Zealand.
He said: “There are significant environmental and public health
concerns surrounding uranium mining including contamination of ground
and surface water supplies and radiation levels.”
The conference takes place this Friday, December 7 at the Central Hotel
in Dublin with Minister Ryan speaking first. |
