Republican News · Thursday 22 August 2002

BNFL actions endangering Irish health and safety

Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment, Arthur Morgan TD, has accused British Nuclear Fuels Limited (BNFL) of "wantonly endangering the health and safety of Irish people" with its decision to press ahead with the transportation of nuclear materials through the Irish Sea to its Sellafield plant.

The County Louth deputy made his comments after reports that the cargo ships en route from Japan were now off the coast of Africa and due in the Irish Sea by the end of the month.

"The decision to transport these extremely radioactive and hazardous materials back and forth almost three quarters of the way around the globe is a reckless and unnecessary act," he said. "There is no such thing as being 100% safe. Remember, the Titanic was supposed to be unsinkable. BNFL is wantonly endangering the health and safety of not only Irish people but also people living on the west coast of Britain by shipping this cargo through the busy Irish Sea.

"I would again appeal to the Irish government to step up the pressure to have the Sellafield processing plant closed down."