7 April 2026

The Hard Shoulder — Newstalk

Should We Review Our Ban on Nuclear Energy?

The Cabinet is actively discussing a potential review of Ireland's ban on nuclear power, according to reporting by the Business Post. A number of Senior Ministers, including Jack Chambers and James Lawless, have expressed openness to the ban being reviewed. Denis Duff, a Chartered Engineer and Co-Founder of 18for0, joined Ciara Kelly on Newstalk's The Hard Shoulder to discuss the significance of this shift and what it could mean for Ireland's energy future.

Speakers

Denis Duff

Co-Founder, 18for0

Denis Duff is a founding member of 18for0, Ireland's grassroots campaign advocating for the repeal of Section 18 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, which prohibits nuclear power in Ireland. He regularly engages with media, policymakers, and the public to challenge misconceptions about nuclear energy and advocate for evidence-based energy policy. Denis brings practical insights into Ireland's energy challenges, including grid stability, climate commitments, and the need for reliable baseload power.

Ciara Kelly

Broadcaster, Newstalk

Ciara Kelly is a broadcaster and doctor who hosts The Hard Shoulder on Newstalk, one of Ireland's leading current affairs programmes. Known for her direct, no-nonsense interviewing style, Ciara brings important policy debates to a wide Irish audience and is unafraid to challenge guests on the detail behind their arguments.

Discussion Topics

The conversation covered key aspects of Ireland’s nuclear energy debate:

The Section 18 Ban: The origins and continued relevance of Ireland’s prohibition on nuclear power
Energy Security: Ireland’s growing dependency on imported gas and the risks it carries
Climate Targets: Whether Ireland can realistically meet its 2050 net-zero commitments without nuclear
Public Opinion: Shifting attitudes toward nuclear energy among Irish voters and policymakers
Modern Nuclear Technology: How new reactor designs address the safety and cost concerns of earlier generations
European Context: How Ireland’s position compares to EU neighbours investing in nuclear power

Listen to the Interview

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The full interview is available on the Newstalk website.

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Why This Interview Matters

Ireland’s ban on nuclear energy has been in place for over 25 years. As the country faces rising energy prices, grid instability, and legally binding climate commitments, the question of whether that ban remains fit for purpose is gaining serious traction. Denis’s appearance on The Hard Shoulder brought the 18for0 case to one of Ireland’s most listened-to afternoon radio programmes, reaching tens of thousands of listeners across the country.

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