James Browne
Question:528. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if nuclear mud dumping off the Welsh coast poses a risk here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47696/18]
View answerTuesday, 20 November 2018
Questions (528)
Written answers
The matter of mud dredged from the Hinckley Point C construction site was raised by Irish officials and discussed at a recent meeting of the UK-Ireland Contact Group on Radiological Matters in London. This group, comprising senior officials from the United Kingdom and Irish Government Departments and relevant agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), meets biannually to discuss matters of mutual interest.
Natural Resource Wales, the Welsh environmental regulator, has undertaken independent environmental assessments at the Hinckley Point C construction site, and has verified that the dredged material poses no threat to public or environmental safety from a radiological perspective and, on that basis, has provided the appropriate permissions and licenses for the removal of the sediment. Further details on this verification and licensing process are available on the website of Natural Resources Wales at: https://naturalresources.wales/about-us/news-and-events/statements/marine-licence-to-dispose-dredged-material-off-the-coast-of-south-wales/?
My Department is satisfied based on the information and expert advice available to it that this operation poses no risk to Ireland. My Department and the EPA will continue to monitor all aspects of the United Kingdom's new nuclear build programme.