IRISH RESPONSE TO EUROFAB DEMARCHE

C O N F I D E N T I A L DUBLIN 001385

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/17/2014
TAGS: KNNP ENRG PREL
SUBJECT: IRISH RESPONSE TO EUROFAB DEMARCHE

REF: STATE 198909

Classified By: DCM Jonathan Benton for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) On September 17, DCM and French Charge d'Affaires,
Luc Serot Almeras, jointly delivered reftel talking points to
James MacIntyre, Department of Foreign Affairs EU Division
Counsellor, and Joseph Mooney, Department of the Environment
Assistant Principal Officer for Nuclear Safety. Almeras and
the DCM noted that the talking points on the pending
plutonium shipment had been agreed by the U.S. and French
Governments and would also be delivered to the Spanish and
Portuguese Governments. At Almeras' urging, the points were
not left behind as a non-paper.


2. (C) MacIntyre expressed thanks for the notification,
adding that the GOI was aware of the planned shipment and
respected our position on the rights of freedom of navigation
and passage. Consistent with Ireland's long-standing
position in the IAEA, however, the GOI had concerns about the
safety, security, and potential environmental impact of the
transportation of nuclear materials. He explained that the
Irish public shared these concerns and that environmental
issues could figure significantly in the October 22 Irish
presidential election. (The Greens may be the only party to
field a candidate against the incumbent president, Mary
McAleese.) MacIntyre said that advance notification would
allow the GOI time to plan for any emergencies or risks
associated with the nuclear material. He also indicated that
the GOI would appreciate prior notification of any future
shipments.


3. (C) Mooney mentioned that the Minister of the
Environment, Martin Cullen, planned to make a press statement
on September 17 in response to Irish media inquiries prompted
by a September 16 London newspaper article about the
shipment. In addition, on September 17 the Irish Times
reported concerns voiced by Rep. Ed Markey (D -
Massachusetts) about the adequacy of security arrangements
for the shipment. Post has also seen a September 16 internet
statement by Greenpeace protesting the shipment. DCM
requested that the Minister's statement not formally
acknowledge the shipment, primarily for safety and security
reasons. Mooney responded that it would help to have
assurances on safety, and the DCM reiterated that the
shipment would exceed the international maritime safety
standards established by the protocols listed reftel. DCM
also stressed the experience of the Pacific Nuclear Transport
Limited crew, the reinforced structures of the vessels, the
availability of assets to address contingencies, and the
distance of the ship's routing from Irish territorial waters.
Mooney asked when the shipment would occur, and Almeras
cited the time frame of the "near future."


4. (C) Comment: Minister Cullen had not issued a statement
as of this writing, and Mooney told econoff the afternoon of
September 17 that he could not guarantee that a statement
would be issued before the weekend. Post will forward to
EUR/UBI any press statement that might be released.
KENNY