PRESS RELEASE10/06/2003 UN case latest stage in relentless legal battle against Sellafield – Deputy Government Chief Whip
“Two years of preparation have gone into this morning's challenge under the UN Convention of the Sea. The Attorney General will open the Irish case in front of five UN judges, who will decide the issue in a judgement that is expected later this year.” “The deployment of such resources should be regarded as a firm sign of our determination to relentlessly pursue this issue through every legal avenue open to this country.” “There can be no doubt that the relationship between our two countries has normalised in recent years and is stronger than ever, however the issue is Sellafield remains a major sticking point.” “Unfortunately the assurances from the British Government that every precaution is being taken to ensure Sellafield is safe fly in the face of the catalogue of blunders and scares that have occurred at the Cumbria plant.” “The safety concerns have been well documented, there is also mounting evidence that there is no economic or environmental reasons for keeping Sellafield operational.” “I wish the legal team taking this action every success. Over the next three weeks they will be carefully outlining our legitimate concerns surrounding the operations at Sellafield.” “The reprocessing plant has clearly outlived its usefulness and I would urge the British authorities to take our concerns on board and act to ensure this major point of disagreement between our two countries is removed so as our close links can be further strengthened,” concluded Deputy Kelleher. |