Business lobby group Ibec has called for an urgent national debate on the use of nuclear energy to help provide a sustainable alternative to Ireland's energy needs.
The body, which claims to represent 8,000 businesses employing over 70 per cent of the private sector workforce, said society's responses to global warming "will involve changes that bring a wide range of social and business benefits, in addition to environmental benefits".
Ibec chairman Maurice Healy
In a statement following its national council meeting in Cork, the body said that to ensure rapid progress in tackling climate change, measures that make sense "for a wide-range of reasons" should be promoted in a 'no regrets' strategy.
Ibec president Maurice Healy said: "Environment and energy worries have risen to the top of society's concerns, putting business - with its enterprise and innovation - central to resolving the challenges they pose.
"The need to switch to a sustainable, low carbon and energy efficient society is a clear necessity. It makes sense for us to use energy sources that are sustainable in the long-term, reduce carbon emissions and reduce our import dependence."
Mr Healy said the government target that 33 per cent of electricity be generated from renewable sources is important and that, if reached, Ireland will be at the forefront in Europe.
"However, other alternatives must also be considered, including nuclear. Nuclear is a proven safe and efficient technology which produces 16 per cent of global electricity, a share that looks likely to rise. There are now over 400 nuclear power reactors operating in more than 30 countries."
Mr Healy said new reactors are being built in 28 countries, and are planned for 62 more.
"Many of our EU neighbours, including the UK and Finland, have made the decision either to continue with nuclear power or to increase its use. Ireland must look seriously at the option."
He said Ireland would soon be using interconnectors to buy electricity from Britain and possibly from France.
"Undoubtedly, some of this will be generated by nuclear power. If we are going to import nuclear generated energy there is the question whether or not we generate our own here. It is irresponsible to dismiss the option without a serious national debate."
Today's meeting was addressed by Dieter Helm, economist and Professor of Energy Policy at Oxford University.