asked the Minister for Energy whether the increase in radioactivity monitored in soil tests in the County Louth area is due to the Chernobyl disaster or if it is caused by any leakage from the Sellafield plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Increased Radioactivity in County Louth.
54.
I am advised by the Nuclear Energy Board that any artificial radioactivity in the soil of County Louth is due to Chernobyl rather than to Sellafield.
The board have commenced an extensive soil monitoring programme in collaboration with An Foras Taluntáis and Trinity College. This survey is designed to determine the contamination levels of the more important soil types in Ireland, to investigate the transfer of contamination from the soil into pasture, grain and vegetables and to check the levels of contamination in foodstuffs.
The results of the monitoring of foodstuffs from the Louth area to date indicate that the contamination levels do not represent a significant health hazard. Uptake of radioactivity in foodstuffs will continue to be closely monitored by the board.