This article is from page 12 of the 2006-05-02 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
ENNIS Town Council is being asked to give the thumbs down to nuclear power as a form of alternative energy.
Today the council is expected to debate a motion tabled by Councillor Donal Ó Béarra calling on Ennis Town Council to become a member of the Nuclear Free Local Authorities Network.
The motion also calls on the authority to underline its opposition to nuclear power and its commitment to safe and clean energy resources.
The network recently voiced its opposition to the establishment of a nuclear power station in Northern Ireland, and Cllr Ó Béarra believes that, given recent debate over the controversial topic, the council should set out its own opposition to the nuclear option.
“I think it is important that the council sends out a clear signal outlining its opposition to nuclear power. There are obvious problems with how to deal with waste. We should make a statement of intent that we would be nuclear free,” he said.
The dangers of nuclear power were highlighted as people throughout Clare commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster.
A recent TV show depicting the likely consequences of an explosion at Sellafield raised questions about the measures in place to cope with any such accident.
“There does seem to be a debate that has been reintroduced about renewable energy sources. I would hope that the council accept the motion, but the important thing is to raise awareness about the issue.
“It should be seen to be our intention that we are looking at sustainable forms of energy renewable. It is an environmental imperative,” added Cllr Ó Béarra.