Menu
30/05/2003
McGrady hits out at 'insulting' Sellafield remarks
South Down MP Eddie McGrady has hit out at "insulting" comments made by UK energy minister, Brian Wilson about health scares regarding Sellafield.
Mr Wilson, critical of constant "scare stories" about the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant, recently said he "reaches for the sick bag" every time he hears reports about clusters of Down Syndrome cases in Ireland because of the stations nuclear waste risks.
Mr McGrady described the minister's comments as "insulting".
However, Mr Wilson defended his remarks and said that so-called knowledge of the plant's risk's were contentious.
He added: "What I was saying was, let's have better informed dialogue about Sellafield but leave the emotive stuff out of it, particularly that claim, which doesn't have a leg to stand on."
Meanwhile, former SDLP leader John Hume has written to Prime Minister Tony Blair to express his concern over the findings of the Marine Monitoring Report published this month by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland.
Mr Hume said the Institute’s report shows that Sellafield continues to be the main source of artificial radioactivity in the Irish Sea.
He added: "The ongoing existence of Sellafield is a great concern to the people of Ireland. Not only is there a proven exposure to radiation caused by discharge of contaminants into the Irish Sea but there are consequential problems such as the impact upon the marketability of seafood caught in waters around our island.
“These problems have been compounded by the increased possibility of terrorist attack on high-profile nuclear installations like Sellafield which would have unimaginable consequences for the people of Ireland and beyond."
Mr Hume said he had called on Mr Blair to give serious consideration to the matter and that it was now time for the Sellafield operation to be shut down permanently.
(MB)
Mr Wilson, critical of constant "scare stories" about the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant, recently said he "reaches for the sick bag" every time he hears reports about clusters of Down Syndrome cases in Ireland because of the stations nuclear waste risks.
Mr McGrady described the minister's comments as "insulting".
However, Mr Wilson defended his remarks and said that so-called knowledge of the plant's risk's were contentious.
He added: "What I was saying was, let's have better informed dialogue about Sellafield but leave the emotive stuff out of it, particularly that claim, which doesn't have a leg to stand on."
Meanwhile, former SDLP leader John Hume has written to Prime Minister Tony Blair to express his concern over the findings of the Marine Monitoring Report published this month by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland.
Mr Hume said the Institute’s report shows that Sellafield continues to be the main source of artificial radioactivity in the Irish Sea.
He added: "The ongoing existence of Sellafield is a great concern to the people of Ireland. Not only is there a proven exposure to radiation caused by discharge of contaminants into the Irish Sea but there are consequential problems such as the impact upon the marketability of seafood caught in waters around our island.
“These problems have been compounded by the increased possibility of terrorist attack on high-profile nuclear installations like Sellafield which would have unimaginable consequences for the people of Ireland and beyond."
Mr Hume said he had called on Mr Blair to give serious consideration to the matter and that it was now time for the Sellafield operation to be shut down permanently.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 September 2002
Nesbitt cautions against 'scaremongering' over Sellafield
Dermot Nesbitt has told a major conference in Dublin today that debate concerning Sellafield must be based on fact, not emotion. Mr Nesbitt said that, as a parent with a young family living in County Down, he shared concerns about Sellafield, but cautioned against "scaremongering".
Nesbitt cautions against 'scaremongering' over Sellafield
Dermot Nesbitt has told a major conference in Dublin today that debate concerning Sellafield must be based on fact, not emotion. Mr Nesbitt said that, as a parent with a young family living in County Down, he shared concerns about Sellafield, but cautioned against "scaremongering".
10 July 2008
Sellafield Threat Will Linger Until 2120
The potential threat from the Sellafield nuclear site could last for another 100 years, according to a government report. The British government has suggested the toxic site, which overlooks the Irish Sea, will not be completely safe and clean until 2120.
Sellafield Threat Will Linger Until 2120
The potential threat from the Sellafield nuclear site could last for another 100 years, according to a government report. The British government has suggested the toxic site, which overlooks the Irish Sea, will not be completely safe and clean until 2120.
19 June 2002
Delegation visit Sellafield on fact-finding tour
The MP for South Down Eddie McGrady is leading a delegation from the East Border Region of Ireland to Sellafield today. Mr McGrady said that the delegation of councillors from Down, Newry & Mourne, Banbridge, Craigavon, Louth and Monaghan were embarking on a two-day fact-finding tour to Sellafield.
Delegation visit Sellafield on fact-finding tour
The MP for South Down Eddie McGrady is leading a delegation from the East Border Region of Ireland to Sellafield today. Mr McGrady said that the delegation of councillors from Down, Newry & Mourne, Banbridge, Craigavon, Louth and Monaghan were embarking on a two-day fact-finding tour to Sellafield.
05 December 2001
Environment Minister not consulted over Sellafield MOX plant
Environment Minister Sam Foster has revealed he was not consulted before a licence was issued for a controversial mixed oxide plant at Sellafield.
Environment Minister not consulted over Sellafield MOX plant
Environment Minister Sam Foster has revealed he was not consulted before a licence was issued for a controversial mixed oxide plant at Sellafield.
06 February 2008
Nuclear Free Ireland Debate Rages
The debate over a nuclear-free Ireland is raging following a recent North-South meeting in Bangor between the NI Assembly's Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie and John Gormley, Green Party Leader and the Irish Republic's Dáil Environment Minister.
Nuclear Free Ireland Debate Rages
The debate over a nuclear-free Ireland is raging following a recent North-South meeting in Bangor between the NI Assembly's Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie and John Gormley, Green Party Leader and the Irish Republic's Dáil Environment Minister.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
