Local authorities from both sides of the Border are meeting today to establish an all-Ireland forum to campaign on anti-nuclear issues.
Representatives from the authorities, all members of the Nuclear Free Local Authorities Network, are joining forces to present a unified voice to Government and the public "on the potential nuclear hazards which Ireland faces".
The meeting in Dublin will set up a framework for local authorities on both sides of the Border to provide information, to lobby Government and obtain specialist advice on nuclear issues.
The chairman of the steering committee of the British nuclear free local authorities, Cllr George Regan, said: "Ireland has so far managed to resist choosing the nuclear option which Scotland, England and Wales are saddled with, but it unfortunately still suffers from the impacts of the nuclear industry.
"The Irish sea is the most radioactively contaminated sea in the world as a result of discharges from Sellafield, and an accident at a nuclear power station in Wales or west Scotland could have a devastating effect on Ireland's east coast cities and towns," he added.
Louth county councillor Michael O'Dowd said councils had a duty to protect their citizens. "We must lobby central Government to ensure robust emergency planning arrangements are in place to protect Ireland in the event of a nuclear accident overseas."
Represented today are Louth County Council, Dundalk Town Council, South Dublin County Council, Dublin Regional Authority, Newry & Mourne District Council and Down District Council.