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25/06/2003
Irish Sellafield closure request denied
The Irish Government has failed in its bid have nuclear processing power plant, Sellafield closed down.
Hearing the case brought by the Irish Government under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Arbitral Tribunal rejected the Irish request to bring in "provisional measures that would have had a significant impact on operations at the Sellafield nuclear site".
Commenting on the news, UK Energy Minister Stephen Timms welcomed the decision and called for a more constructive engagement on Sellafield.
He said: "Ireland's requests for provisional measures went far beyond protection of any rights Ireland may have in respect of this case and the Tribunal has rightly rejected them.
"Even on Ireland's own evidence, there is no scientific basis to the accusations Ireland has made about pollution and no justification for taking such extraordinary legal action.
"We want to work constructively with Ireland on Sellafield. If there have been failures or misunderstandings in the past, let us correct them. We share the objectives of ensuring that facilities at Sellafield are managed safely, effectively and with due regard for the environment."
Irish ministers, including SDLP South Down MP Eddie McGrady, are continued to express concerns over claims that radioactive discharge from the Cumbrian plant is polluting the Irish Sea.
Today's announcement followed three week's of hearings before the five-member tribunal.
(MB)
Hearing the case brought by the Irish Government under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Arbitral Tribunal rejected the Irish request to bring in "provisional measures that would have had a significant impact on operations at the Sellafield nuclear site".
Commenting on the news, UK Energy Minister Stephen Timms welcomed the decision and called for a more constructive engagement on Sellafield.
He said: "Ireland's requests for provisional measures went far beyond protection of any rights Ireland may have in respect of this case and the Tribunal has rightly rejected them.
"Even on Ireland's own evidence, there is no scientific basis to the accusations Ireland has made about pollution and no justification for taking such extraordinary legal action.
"We want to work constructively with Ireland on Sellafield. If there have been failures or misunderstandings in the past, let us correct them. We share the objectives of ensuring that facilities at Sellafield are managed safely, effectively and with due regard for the environment."
Irish ministers, including SDLP South Down MP Eddie McGrady, are continued to express concerns over claims that radioactive discharge from the Cumbrian plant is polluting the Irish Sea.
Today's announcement followed three week's of hearings before the five-member tribunal.
(MB)
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25 February 2002
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26 April 2002
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04 April 2002
Postal protest highlights Sellafield concerns
The wife of Irish rock star Bono has launched another campaign to close the Sellafield nuclear power plant. One million postcards, demanding the closure of Sellafield, look set to land on the British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s door as part of the new campaign fronted by Ali Hewson, the partner of the U2 singer.
Postal protest highlights Sellafield concerns
The wife of Irish rock star Bono has launched another campaign to close the Sellafield nuclear power plant. One million postcards, demanding the closure of Sellafield, look set to land on the British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s door as part of the new campaign fronted by Ali Hewson, the partner of the U2 singer.
10 June 2003
Irish Government begin Sellafield proceedings
Irish Minister for the Environment, Martin Cullen has described his Government’s legal action relating to the Sellalfield plant as “an action to protect Ireland’s interests”.
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26 September 2002
Nesbitt cautions against 'scaremongering' over Sellafield
Dermot Nesbitt has told a major conference in Dublin today that debate concerning Sellafield must be based on fact, not emotion. Mr Nesbitt said that, as a parent with a young family living in County Down, he shared concerns about Sellafield, but cautioned against "scaremongering".
Nesbitt cautions against 'scaremongering' over Sellafield
Dermot Nesbitt has told a major conference in Dublin today that debate concerning Sellafield must be based on fact, not emotion. Mr Nesbitt said that, as a parent with a young family living in County Down, he shared concerns about Sellafield, but cautioned against "scaremongering".
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
