Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 12 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 3

Written Answers. - Nuclear Safety.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

15 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the progress, if any, to date to close the nuclear reprocessing activities at Sellafield and in particular at Thorp; the likely developments over the next 12 months in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6817/97]

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

22 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if it is his policy to encourage implementation of a study commissioned by the United Kingdom Nuclear Free Local Authorities on risks and safety at Sellafield; and, if so, the form this encouragement would take. [6864/97]

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Energy and Communication (Mr. Stagg)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 22 together.

The House will be aware that the Government has engaged in a multi-faceted campaign to minimise the risk posed by Sellafield. This involves recourse to diplomatic contacts, bilateral discussions with the UK authorities and raising our concerns in international fora.

Recently the Government's concerns have focused on the proposed Nirex radioactive waste facility and the consultation process relating to additional information which has recently come to light. On 7 March, last Friday, the Government's observations in this consultation process were forwarded to the UK authorities. Additionally, I held a press conference in London on Monday of this week, to highlight our concerns and objections to the Nirex proposal.

Another issue which is current is the application by BNFL to the UK environment agency for an increase in the Sellafield site's discharge authorisation limits. The Government's concerns have already been outlined to the environment agency. I have reserved the right to comment further when the draft authorisations have issued.

My Department and the RPII is also preparing a submission to the UK Environment agency on BNFL's application to operate a mixed oxide fuel plant at Sellafield. This plant would manufacture MOX fuel from uranium and plutonium oxides recovered from the reprocessing of spent fuel. The consultation process will be completed in early April.

I am aware of the findings of studies commissioned by the UK Nuclear Free Local Authorities on the possible risks associated with the safety of the storage of highly active liquid nuclear waste in 21 tanks at the Sellafield complex. I have written to the Minister for the Environment and asked him to encourage the establishment of a positive relationship between Irish local authorities and UK Nuclear Free Local Authorities. I understand the question of financial support for the proposed studies was considered at a recent meeting of the general Council of County Councils and that they have now appointed an informal working group to consider the matter.

The UK regulatory authorities have themselves expressed dissatisfaction at the safety aspects of long-term storage of high level radioactive waste in liquid form. My Department has asked the UK authorities to speed up the process of vitrification in the interests of nuclear safety and radiation protection.

In the absence of access to data on the probability of an accident involving these tanks, it is difficult to determine the likelihood of such an occurrence. The advice which I have received from the radiological protection institute indicates that the studies undertaken to date focus on the consequences, rather than the likelihood, of an accident involving a radioactive release from the storage tanks. The findings from these studies have indicated that depending on the wind direction and other relevant factors there could be serious implications for Ireland. I have therefore requested the UK authorities to provide the information that we require to adequately assess the full extent of the risk to Ireland.

As to the information required, I believe there would be a significant benefit if the UK authorities were to release the probability risk assessments studies which have been carried out in relation to the high level liquid storage tanks at Sellafield. Probability risk assessment is a methodology to measure the proneness to severe accidents of nuclear plants by examining, in minute detail, the design of each plant; in this way operators and regulators attempt to forestall a severe accident.

While a programme of vitrification is taking place at the plant which would convert the waste to a solid glass form, it is not expected to be completed for about ten years. In the meantime, I consider that there would be significant advantages in releasing the probability risk assessments studies for examination by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland so that the risks from these tanks can be more fully evaluated.

Batt O'Keeffe

Ceist:

16 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he intends to split Bord Gáis into two entities. [5340/97]

David Andrews

Ceist:

27 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the action, if any, he intends to take on the Price Waterhouse report which recommends the splitting of Bord Gáis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6897/97]

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Stagg)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 27 together.

I have no plans for restructuring Bord Gáis on the lines suggested in the questions.