It is about 30 years since an Irish government rejected the option of
nuclear power, following extensive public protests, and directed the
ESB to rely primarily on fuel oil for the generation of electricity.
Much has happened since then.
A site at Carnsore Point in Co Wexford, once earmarked for a nuclear
reactor, now holds a windfarm. World oil reserves are running out.
Prices are rising. Global warming is upon us.
In response to changed circumstances and the publication of a
Government Green Paper on energy, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions
has sought a fresh debate on nuclear power and its possible benefits in
reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Last year, the State agency Forfás,
which advises on matters of trade, enterprise and innovation, predicted
that Ireland will face a liquid fuel crisis in the next 10 to 15 years.
It suggested a nuclear power station may have to be built for energy
requirements. The chairman of the ESB, Tadhg O'Donoghue, also sought a
debate as the British government moved towards the development of a new
generation of nuclear power stations. Comments in favour of nuclear
power made last night in Cork by Prof Philip Walton are grist to this
particular mill.
Those opposed to nuclear power argued that known supplies of uranium
fuel are expected to run out in 50 years; and that its use leads
inevitably to arms proliferation. That it is a dangerous energy source
and damages the environment.
Entrenched positions were adopted in the past. But that should not
preclude an open and vigorous debate on the issues. National interests
are at stake as well as the long-term security of energy supplies. In
such a debate, vested interests and their agendas should be clearly
identified. And alternative energy approaches, such as reducing the use
of imported fuels by private transport, the development of alternative
power sources and the installation of cross-channel electricity
connectors should all be considered. In that regard, it should be noted
that Ictu has neither favoured nor opposed the nuclear option.
Legislation prohibits the use of nuclear energy for the generation of
electricity here. Last year, the Department of the Environment declared
that its potential benefits in terms of reduced carbon emissions were
far outweighed by public health and safety risks, the cost of waste
management and other issues. It concluded that nuclear energy was
"totally unsustainable and economically uncompetitive". This may be
true. But these issues should be debated and tested in public in a
changed energy environment.
