Sellafield Nuclear Plant in England has been described as a "danger" by Sinn Féin.

The party has raised serious concerns over the safety of the plant following revelations on the BBC's Panorama programme.

MLA Caitríona Ruane said: "The fact that revelations now highlight that the plant has regularly had too few staff to operate safely and that radioactive materials have been stored in degrading plastic bottles are deeply disturbing.

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"Safety must be a main priority when it comes to dealing with hazardous radioactive materials.

"The Sellafield nuclear site is a mere 180km from Ireland's coastline and there have long been concerns at associated health risks to those living on Ireland's east coast.

"It needs to close and the Irish Government need to convey that message to the British Government on a regular and routing basis."

(CD/MH)