Government support for the Louth residents' pursuit of their legal case against British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL) was promised by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern.

"They have pointed out to the Government that as well as the research that is currently underway there are other aspects of research that will be necessary to help to build and stand up the case. The Government's position is, and has been, that we are prepared to fund that research, and then when we have developed that to a stage . . . we would proceed into the case. We will then continue to work with the residents in funding that case," the Taoiseach said.