Nuclear power plant proposal for Derry

Councillors in Londonderry are due to attend a meeting later today to hear a local businessman's proposals to build a nuclear power plant in the city.

Robert Andrews has said that the plant will will provide energy to the province as well as creating jobs for around 500 people.

He added that as the power stations last for 60 years, it would mean that around 500 people would have jobs for most or all of their working lives.

Mr Andrews admitted that there was a risk with the nuclear waste but said it could be dealt with "safely". He said that to generate the same amount of power using wind would require 300,000 wind farms throughout Ireland.

"I believe from a technical point of view that it is safe, it is efficient, it is very profitable.”

However, Green Party councillor, Peter Doran, says if it is approved, it would make Derry a target for international terrorists.

He said: "The advocates of a nuclear power plant in Derry would be placing every man, woman and child in Derry in the front line in Tony Blair's war against international terrorism."

Mr Doran also said that the idea would also have a damaging effect on the tourism industry in the area.

It is understood that Mr Andrews intends for the plant to be based at the site of the old power station in Coolkeeragh.

(EF/SP)