The Government is to build a repository for radioactive waste at a location yet to be decided. Liam Reid reports.
However, it is likely to be sited at a remote, secure facility owned by the Department of Defence. It will house all disused radioactive substances in the State.
The location and construction of the proposed facility has been described by senior officials as "a very difficult and sensitive issue". Outright opposition is expected in whatever area the repository is eventually located.
Government sources describe the plans as being at a very initial stage, and because of its sensitive nature, a decision on the exact location of the facility may not be made within the lifetime of this Government.
Ireland is the only country within the European Union without a radioactive waste repository.
However, under new draft EU directives, a facility will be required under law.
At present there are nearly 600 sites around the country at which radioactive material is kept. The majority are small medical devices and gauges, although there are larger materials, including one nuclear research reactor.
While they are all inert, encased, and pose no significant safety risk to the general public, there are concerns that such radioactive material could be used for terrorist purposes, such as "dirty bombs".
Early next year officials from the Department of the Environment will bring forward proposals on a location to the Minister, Mr Cullen.
Officials from the Department have been in talks with the Department of Defence about possible locations.
Heavy security, including a 24-hour guard, would be required on site.
Details of the planned repository were revealed yesterday to the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, which was holding hearings into new directives regulating radioactive waste and nuclear energy sites.
Ms Renee Dempsey, head of the Nuclear Policy Unit at the Department of the Environment, told the committee that the construction of a repository was "a very difficult and sensitive issue".
Issues regarding its location include remoteness from urban areas, but the site would also have to be highly accessible, according to Ms Dempsey. She said the size of the facility "wouldn't be particularly large", but would have to have a high design specification.
Mr Chris Hone, principal scientific officer of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), said there were 600 disused sealed radioactive sources in Ireland. Under current legislation, the sources are licensed and monitored by the RPII.
Ms Dempsey also moved to allay fears from two committee members, Mr Eamon Gilmore of Labour and Mr Eamon Ryan of the Green party, that Ireland's support for new European regulations on nuclear safety was a tacit acceptance of nuclear energy.
The Government's objective has always been "to maintain our opposition", while pursuing "the highest standards" of regulation for the industry, she told the committee.