Green Party criticises British Govt plans to build six new nuclear plants

?We have already seen that those charged with running Britain?s nuclear are incapable of maintaining what they already have. Only last week there were reports of unexplained cracks in nuclear reactor cores in Somerset and on Friday, a case against British Nuclear Group over radioactive leaks in Sellafield was adjourned.

?The British Government says they need to build the plants to meet their carbon emissions targets. But they fail to discuss the massive cost in decommissioning plants currently in operation and building new ones. This tax payer?s money could be invested in better, safer and environmentally friendly ways of producing energy.

?The Energy Saving Trust, an agency of the UK Government has itself said more nuclear plants are not necessary. Instead they calculate proper energy saving plans and micro generation by renewables would meet Britain?s future energy needs.

?Passing on a nuclear waste legacy to our children is too high a price to pay for energy production. The UK has still not figured out where to finally dispose of the nuclear waste from the current generation of nuclear power stations.

?Adding new stations to Britain?s nuclear programme will increase the risk of exposure to nuclear products being transported by sea as well as the risk of a terrorist attack. The Irish Government must make a stand and convince Britain that nuclear is not the way to go. This is an issue which needs to be on the agenda for every Anglo Irish meeting if we are serious about our children?s future,? concluded Deputy Sargent.