Vol. 474 No. 6
57 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for the Marine if he is concerned regarding the proposed underground developments at Sellafield; the effects, if any, this will have on Ireland's fishing industry; the action, if any, he proposes to take against such a proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3657/97]
The Government's position on the proposed undergound developments at Sellafield was set out in detail in the Adjournment Debate on 5 February. In that debate the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications, Mr. Stagg, who has the lead responsibility on this specific issue, indicated quite clearly the Government's determination to prevent this dump being located at the Sellafield site. The Government's position is that the potential transboundary effects of such a development so near to the Irish coast represents an unacceptable risk to the health, environment and economic wellbeing of the Irish people. The Government's strenuous objections to the Nirex proposals have been put directly to the relevant United Kingdom Secretary of State, Mr. Gummer, and a request has been made for the plant to be abandoned. I understand that the United Kingdom Government has decided to engage in a public consultation process on the new information which has become available on the Nirex proposal and the Government will be included in that consultation.
As Minister for the Marine, I am, of course, concerned about the potential of this proposed development to have a negative effect on the marine environment in the Irish Sea. This specific concern contributes to the Government's overall opposition to the proposal.
