Madam, - After a searching inquiry, the British government has given the go-ahead for energy companies to build a new set of nuclear power stations. These will replace plants that have provided Britain - and to some extent Ireland - with safe and economical electricity for many decades.
Other countries have already begun programmes to increase their nuclear capacity. The United States seems to have followed the advice given by the celebrated economist, Alan Greenspan. His book The Age of Turbulence contains three quotes that summarise his opinion:
1. "There is no longer a persuasive case against increasing nuclear generation at the expense of coal."
2. "The safeguards at nuclear power plants in the USA are such that the public has never suffered a radiation-induced death or serious injury."
3. "I believe we significantly under-use nuclear power."
Would that we might have such a wise and forward-looking economist in this country. We need someone to convince the Government that nuclear power is an essential part of our future energy needs. - Yours, etc,
DAVID SOWBY, Knocksinna Crescent, Dublin 18;
FRANK TURVEY, Greystones, Co Wicklow.
Madam, - Will there be an uproar in Ireland about the fact that more nuclear power plants are likely to be set up a few hundred miles from us?
Where's the protest march going to be? Which Government officials are going to Europe about this or what delegation is going to speak with with Gordon Brown to dissuade him? Sorry if I was asleep and missed all the commotion. - Yours, etc,
A. McLOUGHLIN, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.