FIANNA FÁIL MEMBERS have approved a bill to permit Irish governments to consider the use of nuclear energy in meeting Ireland’s future energy needs.

Presenting the bill at a meeting of the parliamentary party on Tuesday night, James O’Connor stressed that the proposal “does not build a nuclear power station”, but would remove “an outdated statutory veto” that prevents Ireland from considering the use of nuclear power.

Nuclear power is currently prohibited in Ireland under existing legislation, and any change would require a formal reversal of that ban, which the proposed bill would do.

Discussion on nuclear power has intensified within the government in recent months in light of the energy crisis and international developments.

Earlier this month, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Ireland should “consider seriously” the use of nuclear energy as part of its future energy mix.

Speaking on Tuesday night, O’Connor said nuclear power can increase Ireland’s energy security and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.

He said it “offers something that renewables alone do not: firm, low-carbon electricity available day and night, in winter and summer, regardless of whether the wind is blowing or if the sun is shining. It can complement renewables”.

The proposal was supported by several TDs, including transport minister Darragh O’Brien, who said that while he was agnostic on the use of nuclear power, he believed it should be open to consideration by Ireland.

He also said it was not a replacement for the ramping up of renewables, something he said was required in the short term.

The Taoiseach said Ireland “should not have a statutory bar on its consideration”.

The bill was approved by the parliamentary party, and O’Connor will now progress it through the house as a private members’ bill.

The Taoiseach also touched on the weekend’s byelections, where Fianna Fáil had a poor result in Dublin Central as candidate John Stephens won just over 4% of first preference votes. 

Martin said byelections were not a predictor of General Elections to come, and reflected on the issues which he had heard on the doors, namely housing in Dublin Central and transport in Galway West.

Several speakers from the floor also reflected the disappointment in the percentage that Fianna Fáil candidates reached.