The Radiological Protection Institute said that eight new nuclear power plants being built in the UK carry a very low threat to the health of Irish people.

The group carried out a study of the potential risks of these plants during their day-to-day operations, and in the event of severe accidents taking place.

It found that they hold a risk of one in 33 million per year.

However, CEO of the RPII Ann McGarry said that plans still need to be put in place in the event of a nuclear disaster.

"We have a national plan for nuclear emergencies so the RPII has already been working for a number of years with the departmnent of agriculture and the Food Safety Authority in order to implement food controls in the event of an accident happening

"These are the type of measures that have been taken following the dioxin scare for example, where certain foods wouldn’t be allowed to go on sale because they would give rise to a radiation dose to people if they were consumed."