The SDLP has slammed the UK Government for approving funding for NuGen to build three new reactors at Moorside, near Sellafield.

SDLP MP Margaret Ritchie said the government is "wrong" to commit to the project and the nearby Sellafield plant should be a reminder of the "true cost" of nuclear power.

Ms Ritchie said: "The strike price that nuclear energy companies will be granted is likely to be nearly twice the standard cost of energy and there remain serious questions over waste storage and decommissioning.

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"This has been billed as a 'co-operation agreement' but is little more than sop to an industry which is struggling to secure funding. Indeed just last month it was revealed that leading nuclear investor Areva, who are supporting the project at Hinkley, is having severe financial difficulties after their two latest projects – in France and Finland – went over budget.

"People in Ireland have to live on the doorstep of this plant and have never been properly consulted on this or previous programmes."

(CD/JP)