Madam, - It is good to see a debate developing on the part that nuclear power might play in meeting Ireland's energy needs in the future.
What is needed in this discussion is cool and reflective consideration of the facts, for and against, before a decision is made as to where the balance of Ireland's interest lies.
Profs Heffron and Reville (April 27th) rightly emphasise the responsibility of the media to inform the public of the scientific facts on the safety of nuclear reactors. Frightening people with horror stories and nightmarish scenarios which are unsubstantiated by scientific evidence is no help to anyone.
Equally, the scientists must avoid arrogance; they must listen to the worries of those who fear nuclear power and answer their questions with patience and understanding.
Above all, this discussion must not be allowed to become a dialogue of the deaf. There is too much at stake for that. - Yours, etc,
JOYCE ANDREWS, Trimbleston, Goatstown Road, Dublin 14.
Madam, - Bertie Ahern has recently advised against the development of nuclear energy as an alternative for our future energy requirements.
He is quite wrong. In fact it is irresponsible of him to do so.
Nuclear energy is one of the safest sources of energy available, provided elementary safeguards are taken in its development against radiation leakages into the atmosphere. Chernobyl is an example of gross neglect in the respect.
Nearly 80 per cent of France's electricity supply is now generated by some of its 58 nuclear reactors. Some 31 other countries are now engaged in developing nuclear reactors as rapidly as their economies will permit.
Why should we delay? - Yours, etc,
Dr PETER McCABE, Ballymaquirke, Kanturk, Co Cork.