Discussion about Sellafield must be based on fact, not emotion, a major conference in Dublin heard today.
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Northern Ireland Environment Minister Mr Dermot Nesbitt said that, as a parent living in Co Down on the east coast of the island, he shared concerns about Sellafield, but he cautioned against "scaremongering".
"We must base our comments on the scientific facts," he said. "Too often, emotion displaces factual evidence".
Mr Nesbitt told the "Making Sense of Sellafield" conference, which was hosted by the Irish government and Northern Ireland Executive, that tough decisions lay ahead.
"It might, for example, be argued that, confronted by climate change, we need to consider further the option of nuclear power," he said.
The conference, which was attended by experts on nuclear power from around the world, took place just over a week after Greenpeace's Rainbow Warriorintercepted two nuclear freighters in the Irish Sea as they made their way back to Sellafield.
Mr Nesbitt said he had visited the Sellafield plant in Cumbria in June. "I saw and heard much. I am now better informed. My impressions of Sellafield were of a site well run and well managed by thoroughly professional and dedicated staff. It also gave me direct insight into the approach taken to safety and security at the plant.
"Nevertheless, my department will continue to monitor and assess the impact of discharges from Sellafield on the Northern Ireland coastline and to provide public assurance," he said.
PA