Madam, - Tom O'Flaherty (Letters, July 21st) offers very valid reasons why Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan should consider, inter alia, nuclear power as part of an Irish national energy policy.
From a global perspective, world governments in ever increasing numbers are embracing nuclear power as fundamental to their strategies of national energy security and environmental responsibility.
The International Energy Agency - energy policy adviser to 27 member countries - recognises that nuclear power must play a central role in any clean energy revolution.
Most recently, the same view has been articulated by the executive director of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Certainly, renewables such as solar and wind and tidal and geothermal have a role, as well as must energy conservation and higher energy efficiency.
But none of these tools can alter the central fact that nuclear power offers the one available technological workhorse to energise a thriving economy without destructive environmental impact.
Recognition of this truth, and action based upon it, is now reflected in a worldwide nuclear renaissance that is gathering speed and momentum, - Yours, etc,
PATRICK L O'BRIEN MSc,
Toll House
Victoria Cross,
Cork.