The Government's concerns about old Magnox reactors, such as those at the Wylfa nuclear power plant, have been made known to the UK authorities both at official and ministerial level on numerous occasions. We have consistently called for the early closure of these reactors which continue to operate well beyond their original design life. The Wylfa Nuclear Plant at Anglesey is due to be decommissioned in 2010.

Ireland has also responded critically to various UK public consultation processes concerning the regulation of the UK nuclear industry covering such matters as the management of radioactive waste in the UK, a review of UK energy policy and the UK strategy for discharges from nuclear installations.

The Government has repeatedly pointed out that the risks and unresolved problems associated with the nuclear energy industry, when added to high research and capital costs, including decommissioning costs, as well as continued additional safety and security costs, mean that nuclear energy is not sustainable.