AN TAISCE’S challenge to a nuclear power station in Britain has not been supported by the Irish Government, a High Court in London heard yesterday.
The two-day hearing is continuing today with the Irish national trust body contesting that there was a failure to consult with the Irish people prior to permission being granted in April by the British Government for a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset.
An Taisce has sought a judicial review, arguing that the British energy secretary, Ed Davey, “acted unlawfully” without consultation with the Irish that An Taisce claim would have allowed proper and full consideration of the surrounding impact of the plant, which will be located 150 miles from the Irish coast.
The £14 billion plant is to be built by French energy company EDF, backed by Chinese money and capable of powering five million homes.
Yesterday, the High Court heard that, although the Irish Government has repeatedly raised questions about the operation of the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant in Cumbria, concerns about Hinkley Point “have never been raised”.
Lawyers for the British Government said there is “no obligation” for Mr Davey to consult with the Irish Government in relation to the plant.
The hearing continues today.
