Dáil Éireann - Volume 415 - 29 January, 1992

Written Answers. - Closure of Nuclear Power Station.

Mr. Gilmore Mr. Gilmore

94. Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Energy if he has received any report on the reasons the British nuclear installations inspectorate has closed the Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power Station in North Wales; and if he has expressed any opinion on this closure and possible reopening of the plant to the relevant British authorities.

Minister for Energy (Mr. Molloy) Robert Molloy

110

Minister for Energy (Mr. Molloy): I have received no formal report from the UK authorities on the reasons for the shut down of the Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power Station. I am however being kept informed of developments by the Nuclear Energy Board which has been in close contact on this matter with the UK nuclear installations inspectorate. The power station has two magnox reactors which are part of a series of ageing magnox reactors in the UK which were not designed to meet modern safety standards. The reactors were shut down in early 1991 by the operator because of [110] concerns that they did not continue to meet the necessary safety standards. The Government's view is that all magnox reactors should be closed down on the basis that they have major shortcomings compared with modern reactors.

The Government's position on the UK magnox reactors has been made clear to the relevant British authorities.

Dáil Éireann 415 Written Answers. Closure of Nuclear Power Station.

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