The SDLP today reiterated its call for the closure of Sellafield after its
owners admitted radioactive liquid waste had leaked.
Officials said the effluent - mainly water with a low level of radioactivity
- spilled from the nuclear plant's holding tanks into a concrete room
designed to contain overflows.
But while a small amount escaped into an adjacent concrete corridor,
officials stressed that all the liquid was contained.
"All material was recovered," said a Sellafield spokesman.
"Radiation monitoring confirmed that the liquid was of such low
radioactivity that no further work was required to decontaminate the area."
An investigation began last night into how the leak occurred at the nuclear
plant in Cumbria, which was closed for maintenance.
The incident has been reported to the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate and
the Environment Agency.
But Newry and Armagh SDLP MLA Dominic Bradley said the issue had to be
treated with the utmost seriousness.
He said: "It underlines once again what the SDLP has been calling for
down the years, namely the closure of Sellafield.
"This particular plant poses a great danger to the waters of the Irish
sea and the people who live along the coast of Ireland."
Meanwhile, Greenpeace nuclear campaigner Nathan Argent said there was a real
danger to Ireland's environment from the plant on the Irish Sea coast.
"The Irish Sea is one of the most radioactive in the world," he
said.
"One of the concerns that we have is that radioactive waste and
subsequent contamination poses a great threat to the environment."
Hi: 18°C / Lw: 13°C
Nadal powers to title after epic win over Federer
Revealed: Ulster's most dangerous roads
Hammond and May refuse to sign new contracts
Deputy First Minister in Baghdad for peace mission
Thomas Beattie gives birth to healthy baby girl
Iran warns: attack us and we'll strike you back
Visting the city? Check out our guide to the capital
Swimsuit photo shoot in buildup to Vietnam final
Mandela honoured with the class of 2008
Video tribute as Queen's honours James Ellis
Supporters that made Euro 2008 one to remember
Fashion of the wives throughout the tournament
Pop princess Minogue wows fans at Odyssey gig
Try your luck in our GAA 'pick the score' competition
Looking forward to the famous biking event
Ship's Belfast beginnings celebrated in exhibition
Applauding Ulster's most exceptional women
Special report on Northern Ireland's worst house fire
Celebrating excellence at the inaugural awards gala 
Special multimedia report on Belfast Wheel