Nuclear Station closure a step in the right direction

The announcement by the British Nuclear Group of the closure of its Chapelcross power station in the North of England has been welcomed by Arthur Morgan, Sinn Féin's Dáil spokesperson on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Speaking on Tuesday, the Louth TD called on the Environment Minister, Martin Cullen, to actively liase with the authorities in Britain to ensure that the British Nuclear Group do everything necessary to ensure the safety of the public, both in Britain and in Ireland, during the defulleing and decommissioning of the station. He also urged the Minister and the Government to re-intensify their efforts in relation to Sellafield.

"The continued existence of Sellafield is unacceptable as it still poses an intolerable risk to the health of the people of Ireland, particularly those living along the East coast," said Morgan. "It is regrettable that Minister Cullen did not use the opportunity afforded by Ireland's Presidency of the European Union to further efforts to bring about the closure of Sellafield and to work for the progressive realisation of a nuclear-free Europe."