Question:
40 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she is continuing to seek to establish a national central storage unit for disused radioactive waste; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24144/01]
Written Answers. - Hazardous Substances.
The storage and disposal of disused radioactive substances in Ireland is regulated by way of a licensing regime implemented by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII.
As part of its regulatory responsibility, the RPII carries out regular inspections of storage arrangements for radioactive substances and is satisfied that the current arrangements ensure that all sources of radioactivity in Ireland are currently stored in a way which does not pose a hazard to people or the environment.
However, the RPII has recommended that a national facility for the long-term safe storage of low-level radioactive substances be established. The RPII has already submitted design proposals to my Department relating to the establishment of such a facility on the assumption of a suitable site becoming available. At this stage possible sites have been short-listed and arrangements are being made to carry out site evaluation visits.
It should be appreciated that, this is a complex and protracted project but I can assure the Deputy that the matter is being pursued in accordance with the RPII recommendation and in full consultation with them.