Government urged to consider nuclear energy option as legislative proposal tables end to ban

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has urged serious consideration of nuclear power as part of Ireland's future energy planning.

The Government is examining potential avenues for future energy security, including nuclear-fuelled energy, as the country faces a looming energy crisis. As part of this shift, Fianna Fáil TD James O'Connor has tabled legislation to lift the statutory ban on nuclear power in the State.

While small modular reactors are being discussed as a viable future option, observers point to major obstacles that must be overcome before nuclear energy can become a reality in Ireland. These obstacles include high development costs, long development timelines, regulatory frameworks, and planning procedures. Despite these challenges, energy experts have advised that preliminary policy work on nuclear energy should begin immediately.