WEALTH May 5, 2026 0 Comments

Is Nuclear Power the Untapped Goldmine Micheál Is Urging Us to Exploit Before It’s Too Late?

Is Ireland ready to toss the nuclear taboo aside and light up a new era of energy? Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s recent comments in Armenia have sparked just that kind of electrifying debate. After decades of steering clear of nuclear power—thanks largely to fears ignited by Chernobyl and a 1999 ban—there’s talk in the corridors of power about giving nuclear energy a second look. This isn’t just some political blip; it’s about tackling one of the biggest puzzles of our time: how to break free from fossil fuels while keeping the lights on and the economy humming. With his backbenchers gearing up to repeal the moratorium, and whispers of small modular reactors promising safer, more cost-effective solutions, Ireland might be on the brink of catching up with global leaders in clean energy innovation. But will the public’s old fears melt away in the face of climate urgency? And can nuclear power truly play nice alongside wind and solar to craft a resilient energy future? It’s a debate that’s as much about culture and perception as it is about technology—and the stakes couldn’t be higher. LEARN MORE

Ireland should “examine seriously options like nuclear power” to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, the Taoiseach said yesterday, writes Muiris Ó Cearbhaill.

Micheál Martin made the comments as one of his backbenchers plans to bring in legislation to repeal a 1999 ban on nuclear energy.

Speaking in Armenia, where Mr Martin is attending two European leaders’ summits, he said Ireland should consider nuclear energy and explore “all avenues” for alternative power.

“We’ve made significant progress on renewables, particularly onshore wind and solar, and offshore wind will be a major next step.

“But we should also look at alternatives, including nuclear, given advances in technology,” he said.

The Fianna Fáil leader added that he hopes that Ireland will lead the way on renewable energy, particularly wind energy, in the EU from 2030.

He claimed the Government should position itself to play that role, particularly considering the “serious damage” fossil fuels have caused to the atmosphere and climate change.

Mr Martin’s remarks are the clearest support for nuclear energy from a Taoiseach since all research, planning and use of it was banned in 1999 by his party and the Progressive Democrats.

Concerns arose at the time around the safety of the energy source, particularly after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, as well as the cost of developing a plant in Ireland.

The ban, however, has long been considered excessive over its prohibition of all research into nuclear fission for the purposes of energy generation, regardless of any new advances made.

Despite the ban, energy purchased from countries, such as France, and investments in interconnectors to provide that power, often come from nuclear sources and plants.

Cork East TD and Fianna Fáil backbencher James O’Connor is due to bring forward legislation to repeal the ban to the Dáil this year, which will be debated by TDs at the end of 2026.

Mr O’Connor, who welcomed the Taoiseach’s comments yesterday, said on X, formerly Twitter, that he will also discuss the legislation with his party at a meeting this week.

The legislation, if passed, would overturn the bans and encourage the establishment of nuclear energy units in relevant departments to examine the feasibility of its use in Ireland.

Despite concerns and questions remaining over the disposal of waste, Cabinet members have recently voiced support, or indifference, towards nuclear energy.

The topic was reportedly discussed at a recent Cabinet meeting by Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure Jack Chambers, who supported the ban being overturned.

In a blog post last year, Mr O’Connor, chair of the Oireachtas Enterprise Committee, said it was time Ireland had a “serious” debate about nuclear energy.

“For decades, ‘nuclear’ has been a dirty word in Irish politics,” the TD wrote. “When people hear it, they think of Chernobyl, or cartoons like The Simpsons, where power plants produce glowing-green waste and threeeyed fish.

“It’s been written off as dangerous, expensive, and completely unsuitable for Ireland. But like every other technology, nuclear energy has evolved, and it’s time for Ireland to have a serious conversation about it.”

Mr O’Connor added that the world has “embraced” new technologies such as small modular reactors – which are cheaper to build, negate the need for a largescale plant, and are considered vastly safer to the public – while Ireland has risked “falling behind” other advanced economies.

“I’m not suggesting Ireland rely solely on nuclear energy, but we must consider it alongside wind and solar to create a balanced, reliable, and sustainable energy mix to help us achieve our climate goals,” he added.

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris recently said he had “no ideological opposition” to nuclear power after the issue was raised by other ministers last month.

The matter has also been recently discussed in the Dáil, where Fianna Fáil TD and junior energy minister Timmy Dooley said the Government is not convinced of the level of public support for the idea.

“The reality is that, as things stand today, it is not clear to us that public opinion is in favour of removing those legislative bans on the development of domestic nuclear power plants for electricity,” he told TDs in the Chamber.

nuclear power — Micheál Martin made the comments as one of his backbenchers plans to bring in legislation to repeal a 1999 ban on nuclear energy.

“Building that majority would require an extensive conversation with the people of Ireland.”

The Clare TD added that he was “conscious” of the public’s response, given the “pushback that is currently in existence regarding wind energy and the permissions for wind turbines”.

Mr O’Connor’s Electricity Regulation (Removal of Nuclear Fission Prohibitions) Bill 2026 will be debated in the Dáil within the next six months, for consideration by TDs and committees.