Menu
26/09/2002
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".
Addressing the conference, Mr Nesbitt said: “We must base our comments on the scientific facts. Too often, emotion displaces factual evidence. I visited British Nuclear Fuels Limited at Sellafield in June to see things for myself.
"My impressions of Sellafield were of a site well run and well managed by thoroughly professional and dedicated staff. It also gave me direct insight into the approach taken to safety and security at the plant.
“Nevertheless, my department will continue to monitor and assess the impact of discharges from Sellafield on the Northern Ireland coastline and to provide public reassurance.
Mr Nesbitt ended by saying that he would support any feasible proposals for further reducing discharges from Sellafield and the risks associated with the transportation of nuclear material.
The role of Sellafield and the use of MOX fuel in the energy industry hit the headlines earlier this month, when a flotilla of protesters – led by Greenpeace, and attracting the support of celebrities such as Jim Corr – surrounded two freighters returning to Barrow-in-Furness from Japan with MOX fuel rods. The protesters argued that the environmental and health risks associated with nuclear energy far outweigh its benefits as an energy source. They point to the development of renewable energy, which Britain signed up to at Kyoto, as a safer and more efficient alternative.
Sinn Fein, who also attended the conference, criticised Mr Nesbitt for putting the "interests of Britain above the interests of Ireland and safety of Irish people".
The party's environment spokesman, Francie Molloy, added: "Sellafield has an atrocious history of leaks, accidents and cover-ups. There must be no let up in the campaign of Irish people, at all levels of society, against this catastrophic nuclear time-bomb on our doorstep."
The conference was organised by the Royal Irish Academy at Academy House, Dublin, and hosted jointly by the Irish government and the Northern Ireland executive.
(MB)
Mr Nesbitt said that, as a parent with a young family living in County Down, he shared concerns about Sellafield, but cautioned against "scaremongering".
Addressing the conference, Mr Nesbitt said: “We must base our comments on the scientific facts. Too often, emotion displaces factual evidence. I visited British Nuclear Fuels Limited at Sellafield in June to see things for myself.
"My impressions of Sellafield were of a site well run and well managed by thoroughly professional and dedicated staff. It also gave me direct insight into the approach taken to safety and security at the plant.
“Nevertheless, my department will continue to monitor and assess the impact of discharges from Sellafield on the Northern Ireland coastline and to provide public reassurance.
Mr Nesbitt ended by saying that he would support any feasible proposals for further reducing discharges from Sellafield and the risks associated with the transportation of nuclear material.
The role of Sellafield and the use of MOX fuel in the energy industry hit the headlines earlier this month, when a flotilla of protesters – led by Greenpeace, and attracting the support of celebrities such as Jim Corr – surrounded two freighters returning to Barrow-in-Furness from Japan with MOX fuel rods. The protesters argued that the environmental and health risks associated with nuclear energy far outweigh its benefits as an energy source. They point to the development of renewable energy, which Britain signed up to at Kyoto, as a safer and more efficient alternative.
Sinn Fein, who also attended the conference, criticised Mr Nesbitt for putting the "interests of Britain above the interests of Ireland and safety of Irish people".
The party's environment spokesman, Francie Molloy, added: "Sellafield has an atrocious history of leaks, accidents and cover-ups. There must be no let up in the campaign of Irish people, at all levels of society, against this catastrophic nuclear time-bomb on our doorstep."
The conference was organised by the Royal Irish Academy at Academy House, Dublin, and hosted jointly by the Irish government and the Northern Ireland executive.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2024
Neurodiversity In The Workplace Centre Stage At Entrepreneurs Conference
The topic of neurodiversity within the entrepreneurial journey and in the workplace will be just one of the many topics of discussion happening at a new conference happening in Belfast this month.
Neurodiversity In The Workplace Centre Stage At Entrepreneurs Conference
The topic of neurodiversity within the entrepreneurial journey and in the workplace will be just one of the many topics of discussion happening at a new conference happening in Belfast this month.
25 February 2002
Nesbitt addresses Sellafield issue at British Irish Council meeting
The newly installed Minister of Environment Dermot Nesbitt has attended his first meeting of the British Irish council in Edinburgh.
Nesbitt addresses Sellafield issue at British Irish Council meeting
The newly installed Minister of Environment Dermot Nesbitt has attended his first meeting of the British Irish council in Edinburgh.
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.
30 May 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.
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.
04 October 2001
Protests over new nuclear plant at Sellafield
The British Government’s new plutonium plant at Sellafield has been given the operational go-ahead despite protests by environmentalists. The protestors say that the decision is unlawful and are afraid that the plant will become a target for terrorists.
Protests over new nuclear plant at Sellafield
The British Government’s new plutonium plant at Sellafield has been given the operational go-ahead despite protests by environmentalists. The protestors say that the decision is unlawful and are afraid that the plant will become a target for terrorists.
-
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.
