Sir, - The decision of the German Government to halt sending nuclear fuel to the Sellafield and Thorp nuclear plants for reprocessing is to be welcomed by the Irish public. BNFL has already stated that the company has contracts with German utilities for up to 2,200 tonnes of reprocessing, which is worth over £1 billion. The business from the German Government represents 10 per cent of Thorp's current order book. Contrary to the assertion of BNFL, the termination of reprocessing of spent fuel by German utilities will certainly help to undermine the financial viability of Thorp.
Ever since Thorp got the go ahead for the reprocessing of nuclear fuel in 1993, it has been an unmerciful nuclear white elephant. Independent studies have shown that radioactive levels in the Irish sea have increased to dangerous levels. The British Government has already stated that it is going to close the Dounreay nuclear plant in Scotland. The Sellafield and Thorp plants are equally contentious and merit similar treatment. - Yours, etc., Jim Fitzsimons MEP,
Dublin Road, Navan, Co Meath.