asked the Minister for Transport and Power if it is proposed to establish a nuclear power station in Ireland; and if he will ensure that the most advanced cooling system is employed in order to give maximum protection to the environment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nuclear Power Station.
27.
Examination of proposals by the ESB to establish a nuclear power station in Ireland has reached an advanced stage and it is likely that a decision on the matter will be taken by the Government at an early date.
If the Government decision is in favour of establishing such station the type of cooling system to be employed and other technical aspects of the proposal are matters to be determined on the advice of the Electricity Supply Board and the Nuclear Energy Board and protection of the environment will be one of the principal determining factors.
Where will the station be sited?
That has not been decided. As the Deputy is aware there are five sites in question. It will be on the advice of the ESB, the Nuclear Energy Board and the Department of Local Government that a decision will be made on the siting of such a station.
If this station is proceeded with will it be under the immediate and direct control of the ESB?
That has not been decided yet and it is a matter that will be decided by the Nuclear Energy Board.
We do not want nuclear energy stations closing down as well as everything else.
We should try and get them built first before saying anything else.