An Taisce to Challenge UK Nuclear Decision

An Taisce (The Irish National Trust) has decided to bring the British Government to court following what it calls an unlawful decision to grant permission to build and operate a new, two-reactor nuclear power station at Hinkley Point, Somerset, 150 miles from the Irish Coast.

Represented by Law firm Leigh Day An Taisce will claim that Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, did not act properly when he failed to consult the Irish people about the potential trans-boundary effects of the nuclear power station before making his decision.

Such a consultation is required by Article 7 of the EU's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive, regulations in the UK, and international conventions.

Article 7 of the EIA Directive states:

“Where a Member State is aware that a project is likely to have significant effects on the environment in another Member State or where a Member State likely to be significantly affected so requests, the Member State in whose territory the project is intended to be carried out shall send to the affected Member State as soon as possible and no later than when informing its own public…”

Rosa Curling from Leigh Day who is representing An Taisce, said:

“The nuclear power plant is closer to the Irish coast than Leeds. However, the UK Government decided not to consult with the Irish people before granting consent. This is despite the fact that, in the event of an accident, the potential effects on Ireland could be huge.”