A cross-party group of TDs today called for a debate on nuclear power after warning immediate action was needed to ease pressure from rocketing energy prices.
With Ireland 90 per cent dependent on imported fossil fuels, the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources said alarm bells are ringing over the security of supply and the volatile cost of oil and gas.
The committee said sustainable energy plans were needed to maintain economic growth. A report by the committee recommended that the Government ask the committee to consider and report on nuclear power.
Noel O'Flynn TD, committee chairman, said: "It is vital that the issues raised in its report should be addressed with the greatest haste possible and the next National Development Plan must have energy as its core focus.
"The NDP must give supports to renewable energy, energy infrastructure and research and development."
Progressive Democrat TD Fiona O'Malley said: "There needs to be a discussion of the role nuclear takes because it's not just good enough to say that public dissatisfaction with nuclear will keep it out."
The joint committee said it is imperative that there is an informed debate on nuclear energy, looking at all the options, and insisted it should be done through the Oireachtas.