TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has said Ireland should “consider seriously” the use of nuclear energy as part of its future energy mix.

Speaking at a European Political Community summit in Yerevan yesterday, Martin said the State should “explore all avenues” to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, while maintaining that renewables will remain central.

“We’ve made significant progress on renewables, particularly onshore wind and solar, and offshore wind will be a major next step,” Martin said, “but we should also look at alternatives, including nuclear, given advances in technology.”

The comments come amid growing openness to the idea within the government, with Jack Chambers and Simon Harris both signalling openness to discussing nuclear energy in recent months.

Nuclear power remains prohibited in Ireland under existing legislation, and any change would require a formal reversal of that ban.

However, Green Party councillor Janet Horner criticised the proposal as a “distraction”, arguing Ireland lacks the expertise and that focus should remain on expanding wind and solar.

So tell us: Should Ireland lift the ban on nuclear power?