It is about 30 years since an Irish government rejected the option of nuclear power, following extensive public protests, and directed the ESB to rely primarily on fuel oil for the generation of electricity. Much has happened since then.
A site at Carnsore Point in Co Wexford, once earmarked for a nuclear reactor, now holds a windfarm. World oil reserves are running out. Prices are rising. Global warming is upon us.
In response to changed circumstances and the publication of a Government Green Paper on energy, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has sought a fresh debate on nuclear power and its possible benefits in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Last year, the State agency Forfás, which advises on matters of trade, enterprise and innovation, predicted that Ireland will face a liquid fuel crisis in the next 10 to 15 years. It suggested a nuclear power station may have to be built for energy requirements. The chairman of the ESB, Tadhg O'Donoghue, also sought a debate as the British government moved towards the development of a new generation of nuclear power stations. Comments in favour of nuclear power made last night in Cork by Prof Philip Walton are grist to this particular mill.
Those opposed to nuclear power argued that known supplies of uranium fuel are expected to run out in 50 years; and that its use leads inevitably to arms proliferation. That it is a dangerous energy source and damages the environment.
Entrenched positions were adopted in the past. But that should not preclude an open and vigorous debate on the issues. National interests are at stake as well as the long-term security of energy supplies. In such a debate, vested interests and their agendas should be clearly identified. And alternative energy approaches, such as reducing the use of imported fuels by private transport, the development of alternative power sources and the installation of cross-channel electricity connectors should all be considered. In that regard, it should be noted that Ictu has neither favoured nor opposed the nuclear option.
Legislation prohibits the use of nuclear energy for the generation of electricity here. Last year, the Department of the Environment declared that its potential benefits in terms of reduced carbon emissions were far outweighed by public health and safety risks, the cost of waste management and other issues. It concluded that nuclear energy was "totally unsustainable and economically uncompetitive". This may be true. But these issues should be debated and tested in public in a changed energy environment.