Britain's plans to expand its nuclear industry will impact on Ireland for decades to come, a conference heard today.
The All-Ireland Nuclear Free Local Authorities Conference was told by experts that the Chernobyl disaster over 20 years ago is still affecting people's health across the state.
Today's event in Drogheda, which was attended by 65 local councillors from the North and South, called for a Government-led survey of nuclear effects on neonatal children in the country.
Mayor of Drogheda Cllr Michael O'Dowd said: "We won't know for sure how the nuclear industry is damaging the health of our children unless we carry out comprehensive research."
"The full impact of Chernobyl is still revealing itself. Ireland will remain under a nuclear shadow for many decades to come if the UK embarks on a new nuclear reactor construction programme.
"There is no need for it because we have the means now to rapidly expand the renewable energy sector and cut energy wastage." The All Ireland Nuclear Free Local Authorities aims to mobilise local government in Ireland against the construction of any new nuclear stations in the UK.
SDLP MLA Margaret Ritchie called for a national Radiation Day to promote a public debate about the dangers of the nuclear industry.
The nuclear free local authorities forum is supported by local authorities north and south of the Border including Dublin City Council, Monaghan County Council, Dundalk Bray Town Council, Down District Council, Moyle District Council, and Newry and Mourne District Council.