Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Oct 1999

Vol. 508 No. 5

Written Answers. - Transport of Nuclear Fuels.

John McGuinness

Question:

62 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to plans to transport nuclear fuel from Europe to Japan via the Irish Sea; if so, the objections, if any, raised by his Department on behalf of the Government; if he will investigate reports that two civilian ships will be armed to provide secure transportation of a new type of nuclear fuel manufactured in the United Kingdom and Belgium for Japan; if he will determine if any international or EU agreements have been breached in this regard; the risk this type of traffic poses for the environment and public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19378/99]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

The Deputy should be aware that shipments of this nature have taken place in recent months. I have outlined my position to the House on this issue on several occasions, most recently on 29 September 1999. In essence the Government is opposed not only to the transport of nuclear fuels by sea but also to the very existence of Sellafield.

My main concerns regarding any transport of this nature are: to ensure that the vessels concerned do not pass through waters under our jurisdiction – I have assurances from the UK authorities that they will not; and to ensure that the highest possible levels of safety are applied – I raised this matter at the IMO assembly in November 1997 and work on the issue is continuing at that forum.

My Department has also been discussing the development of improved reporting arrangements for voyages of vessels carrying such materials both within the IMO context and bilaterally with the countries concerned. Regarding the shipments which took place recently, my Department received assurances that the arrangements complied both with the highest international safety levels and with international agreements. The situation is however being kept under review.