The latest data from the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) shows that both Caesium 137 and Technetium 99 discharges from the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant show increases. Indeed the recorded level for Caesium 137 also exceeds the 2005 reading.
The data, published in November (2008), covers 2007 and whilst the current levels of pollution in no way approach the substantial discharges of past decades it is worrying that any increase at all is being registered.
The full RPII report can be found at:
Caesium 137 dicharges are shown in Figure 1 (Page 6). Technetium 99 discharges are shown in Figure 2 (Page 7).
A diagram showing the main marine sampling locations in the Irish Sea used in the most recent survey is shown in Figure 4 (Page 11).
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League 26/12/08