Government backs Louth group in BNFL action

THE Government is to support four Co Louth residents in their legal action against British Nuclear Fuels Ltd over Sellafield, …

THE Government is to support four Co Louth residents in their legal action against British Nuclear Fuels Ltd over Sellafield, but only if the residents drop their decision to sue Ireland and the Attorney General as well.

The Minister for the Environment, Mr Howlin, said yesterday financial assistance and "other support" would be given to the group, which won a Supreme Court case last month to sue BNFL in the Irish courts.

No figure was given for the financial assistance, and a spokesman for the Minister said the approval was in principle.

The "other support" could include scientific investigation, research and legal work, the Minister said.

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The Government would, however, seek agreement for the removal of the State as a defendant in the action, he said.

The decision - representing a surrogate law suit by Ireland against BNFL after years of deliberation - was recommended by the ministerial group on Sellafield and the Irish Sea, which was convened following the Supreme Court ruling.

The group, chaired by Mrs Howlin, has also agreed to establish a working group to conduct a "wide trawl" nationally and internationally for data and any additional evidence to assist the case against the Sellafield operation.

The Minister said he would be arranging an urgent meeting with the Co Louth residents.

Mr James MacGuill, solicitor for the four residents, said last night the group was pleased the Government was doing something. The proviso that Ireland and the Attorney General be dropped as defendants in the case was "up for negotiation", he said.

Mr Howlin had not indicated if he would indemnify the group if it lost its action, but such matters would be discussed at a meeting expected to take place next week.

"We see it as a positive development," Mr MacGuill said. "We will be studying the terms closely and look forward to discussing the issues with the Minister. If we can agree on the important issues, we hope to co-operate."

The four residents - Ms Constance Short, Ms Mary Kavanagh, Mr Mark Deary and Mr Ollan Herr had decided to include Ireland and the Attorney General in the law suit, claiming they did not take such action as was open to them to protect the personal rights of the plaintiffs against the alleged attack being made on them by the company.

The ministerial committee is promoting legislation to allow ratification by Ireland of the Ospar Convention and a submission to the Inter-Governmental Conference proposing to review and update the Euratom treaty.

The proposal aims to place greater emphasis on health, safety and environmental aspects in the treaty.

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins is the former western and marine correspondent of The Irish Times