Vol. 472 No. 5
24 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the current position regarding an application by British Nuclear Fuels Limited to increase discharges from the THORP nuclear processing plant at Sellafield; the representations, if any, he has made to the United Kingdom authorities in respect of this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23545/96]
On the 15 November last, I was informed that British Nuclear Fuels had applied to the United Kingdom's Environmental Agency for an increase in the Sellafield sites's discharge authorisation limits in the context of the normal three year review of that authorisation.
Following BNFL's request, my Department sought from the British Authorities a copy of BNFL's application. This has not been received to date but I expect to receive it shortly. I am informed that it may be some time before a decision is reached on BNFL's application. However, it is my intention to raise my concerns relating to the application with the UK Authorities prior to that decision being made. The technical details of the application will be examined by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland and in the light of this I will formulate my views to the UK authorities.
