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Nuclear Waste

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2019

Tuesday, 15 October 2019

Ceisteanna (524)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

524. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views that Newry has been earmarked as one of a number of sites being considered for the disposal of nuclear waste as outlined in the white paper of the UK Government; the consultation that has taken place between local authorities in Northern Ireland and County Louth on the matter; if any consultation has taken place between the UK and Irish Governments in respect of the proposal; the steps he will take to ensure this will not take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41771/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Senior officials from my Department and from the Environmental Protection Agency meet twice yearly with their counterparts from the United Kingdom (UK) through the UK-Ireland Contact Group on Radiological Matters. The matter of the storage and disposal of radioactive waste, and in particular the Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) project, whereby this material is stored in an underground facility, is a standing item on the agenda for the Group. At the November 2018 meeting of the Group, officials from the UK confirmed that the working policy on the location of potential sites for a GDF relates to England only. It does not include Northern Ireland.

Further confirmation on this was received in writing from UK officials in February of this year. I can, therefore, categorically assure the Deputy that there are no plans by the British authorities to place nuclear waste in Northern Ireland. The Group will meet again in November where developments in relation to the GDF project will be discussed.

My officials will continue to monitor developments and to engage with their UK counterparts, at national and regional levels, to ensure that our views in this matter continue to be represented.

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