Irish case over operation of Sellafield MOX plant
Ireland has failed in an attempt to secure confidential information from the British government about the operation of part of the Sellafield nuclear plant.
More than a dozen North European Countries are party to the Oslo-Paris, or OSPAR convention, which aims to protect the marine environment of the North East Atlantic.
The Minister for the Environment, Martin Cullen, decided to use the convention as a means of securing information which the British government was withholding about the operation of the Mixed Oxide or MOX plant at Sellafield.
In its judgement today, the OSPAR tribunal held that, despite British objections, it did have jurisdiction to hear the case and Ireland had the right to bring it.
However, in a two to one decision, the tribunal found against Ireland's claim that it had a right to the confidential information.
The British government will be delighted with this aspect of the finding.
However, the Irish Government will draw comfort that further cases can be brought to OSPAR and further pressure can be brought to bear on Sellafield.
Mr Cullen said Britain is now accountable to an international tribunal and Ireland is 'closer to achieving our objectives', because the ruling keeps open the possibility of further appeals.
The Environment Minister said the operations at Sellafield constitute a clear and present threat to the Irish Sea and the Irish Government wants to bring an end to all discharges of radioactive material.
