Ireland

Nuclear regulatory authority

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) regulates radiation protection.

Nuclear activities

There are no nuclear power plants, research reactors or waste facilities. There is regulation of all practices involving sources of ionising radiation, including transport of radioactive materials, as well as occupational exposure to natural sources.

Radioactive waste and spent fuel management

There is currently no centralised radioactive waste facility in Ireland. A high level inter-departmental group had been established to consider and advise Government on a best policy and practice for the safe long term management of Ireland's radioactive waste materials. The RPII maintains a database of all those licensed to use, store or transport radioactive materials, which includes an up-to-date inventory of all radioactive material in storage in the country.

Main legal instruments

The main legal instruments on these issues are:
The Radiological Protection Act, 1991, which establishes the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland and sets out the appointment and powers of inspectors and the framework for the licensing system. The Radiological Protection (Amendment) Act, 2000 makes it an offence to make a false statement on a licence application and to breach a condition of licence. The Radiological Protection Act, 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Order, 2000 is a statutory instrument which applies to workplaces where there may be a risk of exposure to ionising radiation. It is the main piece of legislation specifically dealing with the obligations of employers and the protection of workers and members of the public. It gives effect in Ireland to two European Directives: Council Directive 96/29/Euratom (Basic Safety Standards Directive), and Council Directive 90/641/Euratom (Outside Workers Directive).