The Government today sanctioned increased Garda visits to the Sellafield nuclear plant to check security at the site.
The Cabinet approved a request by the Garda Commissioner for closer co-operation with the British Civil Nuclear Constabulary at the controversial Cumbrian plant.
A number of security breaches at the facility have caused public concern in Ireland and the Government has called for it to be shut down.
Gardaí have already made visits to the plant since 2004 and have compiled written reports on their findings.
Experts from the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland have also inspected the facility in the past.
