NEW evidence from one of Britain's leading geologists suggesting that plans to store nuclear waste underground at Sellafield were fundamentally flawed would only add to the chorus of protest against having such a dump so close to the east coast of Ireland, according to the Fianna Fail MEP, Mr Jim Fitzsimons.
Prof David Smythe, who carried out a seismic survey of the site believes that the ground is geologically unstable. He is due to give evidence this week at the public inquiry in Cumbria on plans by Nirex UK to build a £120 million rock laboratory as a first step to underground waste storage.
"This evidence follows a reports by respected consultants, W.S. Atkins, that Nirex's proposals, would lead to radioactive contamination of local water sources," Mr Fitzsimons said, adding that it had also expressed: concern about the seismic stability of the location.
"If this dump goes ahead, it will be an ongoing source of anxiety for Ireland and with good cause," he added.
