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Nuclear Plants.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 December 2007

Wednesday, 5 December 2007

Questions (230)

John Deasy

Question:

274 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department will commission a comprehensive financial analysis or assessment of the feasibility of constructing and operating a nuclear reactor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32850/07]

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Written answers

The Government believes that nuclear power is neither sustainable nor the answer to Ireland's energy needs. The use of nuclear fission for the generation of electricity in Ireland is statutorily prohibited under Section 18(6) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. Furthermore, Section 3 of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 states that "Nothing in this Act shall be construed as enabling the authorisation of development consisting of an installation for the generation of electricity by nuclear fission".

The Energy Policy Framework and the Programme for Government make it clear that the Government fully intends to maintain the statutory prohibition on nuclear generation in Ireland. In these circumstances the Department will not be undertaking a feasibility study on the construction of a nuclear reactor.

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