Govt opposes British nuclear plans: Ahern
Tuesday, 11 July 2006 21:56
The Minister for Foreign Affairs has said the Government remains implacably opposed to Britain's construction of new nuclear plants.
Dermot Ahern was speaking after the British Trade and Industry Secretary said the power plants - to be built by the private sector - would make a significant contribution to Britain's future energy needs.
Alastair Darling told the House of Commons that a mix of energy supply, including renewables together with gas and coal-fired generation, remained essential.
Announcing the outcome of Labour's long-awaited energy review, Mr Darling said, coupled with initiatives to boost energy conservation, the proposals put forward could save up to 25 million tonnes of carbon by 2020 on top of savings already planned.
However, Conservative Party spokesperson Alan Duncan swiftly condemned the Trade Secretary's statement as 'content free' and said he had announced 'almost nothing'.
Mr Duncan said the review contained 'no real policies, no real action, no real decisions'.
The report comes at a crucial time for Britain's nuclear industry - the British taxpayer is already facing a nuclear decommissioning bill in excess of ¤100 billion.
- Morning Ireland: John Large, international nuclear energy consultant, discusses whether nuclear power is the best way to cut carbon emissions
- Morning Ireland: Brian O'Connell, London Editor, speaks about the likelihood that new nuclear power plants will be constructed in the UK
- Nine News: Anna Murphy gets views for and against on the question of nuclear power in Ireland
- Nine News: Brian O'Connell, London Editor, reports on reaction to the British government's decision to build a new generation of nuclear power stations as part of a review of its energy needs
- Six One News: Brian O'Connell reports that around 60% of the British electorate would support new nuclear plants, as long as they were built in conjunction with developments in renewable energy sources
- Six One News: Brian O'Connell, London Editor, reports that the British government wants the private sector to construct a new generation of nuclear plants
- One News: Brian O'Connell, London Editor, reports that the British government is expected to recommend the construction of new nuclear power stations when it publishes its energy review this afternoon
