THE Minister of State for Energy, Mr Emmet Stagg, has ordered an "urgent investigation" into reports that British Nuclear Fuels Ltd (BNFL) is applying to increase waste emissions from Sellafield into the Irish Sea.
"If these reports are true, it is a completely unacceptable situation, and one which the Government and I would totally oppose," he said, adding that the Government would "continue to maintain its vigilance regarding Sellafield and its activities, and that any necessary representations will be made to the UK authorities".
The Government "is and continues to be committed" to legal action to secure the closure of Sellafield, subject to the advice of the Attorney General, he said.
The Fianna Fail Chief Whip Mr Dermot Ahern, earlier called on the Government and State agencies to galvanise opposition to the proposals, first reported in the Guardian last Saturday.
It was yet more proof of the Government's need to throw its full weight behind the efforts of four Co Louth residents who have taken court proceedings against BNF over Sellafield and THORP, he said.
BNFL has confirmed that it will be applying for new discharge authorisation for the whole of the Sellafield site. It was "far too early " to say what limits it would be seeking, a spokesman said.