Following a report which shows that 90% of Irish people believe that Ireland needs to act on climate change, it is time that the government starts exploring options such as nuclear energy, according to Garrett Greene, Workers’ Party representative for Cabra-Glasnevin.

Greene, who has a background in physics, said: “Nuclear energy is the only proven safe and cost effective means of providing abundant and affordable low-carbon energy. If we’re serious about tackling climate change, we can’t ignore nuclear energy.”

“If we accept the need for change, what form can that change take if it is not nuclear? Not only is nuclear safer than fossil fuels, but it would allow us to maintain our current industrial output. In the context of the climate crisis, we can no longer afford to think about nuclear energy in emotional terms rather than practical ones.”

“90% of Irish people now want to see action taken on climate change. People clearly understand the severity of the situation, but will our government act? Minister Ryan’s recent decision to grant permission for seven new gas-fired power plants to deal with our renewable energy shortfall shows the gap between government rhetoric and real action to tackle the climate crisis. If the government wants to put their money where their mouth is on the climate crisis, they must invest in nuclear energy.”