Eamonn O Reilly (Chair Energy and Climate Change Committee – E&CC); David Timoney ( member E&CC) and Sean Finlay (President IAE) I were invited to a meeting of the British and Irish Parliamentary Assembly Committee on Climate, Energy and Technology in Leinster House on 23rd February 2026.
David Timoney, Sean Finlay, Eamonn O Reilly
Following an introduction to the Irish Academy of Engineering(IAE) by Sean Finlay, Eamonn O Reilly presented a Briefing Note outlining vulnerabilities in Ireland’s Energy systems and the case for examining the role of nuclear power generation in long term energy security, with a focus on Small Modular Reactors. The IAE has published research on SMRs and in its evidence to BIPA outlined the need for continued evaluation of back up for energy systems to include SMRs, Hydrogen and Floating Offshore Wind.
The discussion with the BIPA Energy Committee was wide ranging and constructive and will assist BIPA in its assessment of the benefits and risks associated with SMRs in providing energy security. IAE recommends a process similar to that currently being followed by Estonia and is based on the milestone approach of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for countries to introduce nuclear power. Once this point is reached, there could be an informed public and political discussion on issues such as safety and nuclear waste in advance of removing legislative prohibitions.”
We take this opportunity to thank all our Patrons and Fellows, whose voluntary efforts continue to provide thought leadership in times of great change.
Academy news bulletin 23 February 2026- British Irish Parliamentary Assembly meeting (1)