- Newly declassified files reveal MI5 rejected a plea from then-Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern for intelligence sharing on potential terrorist threats to the Sellafield nuclear facility.
- Mr Ahern's request to then-UK prime minister Tony Blair followed the 2004 Madrid train bombing, warning of a "transnational catastrophe" if the Cumbrian site was targeted.
- The UK declined, citing the necessity to safeguard the confidentiality of intelligence sources, with MI5 expressing concerns about who would access sensitive material.
- Instead, Mr Ahern received an assurance that the British ambassador would brief Irish officials if any threat to Sellafield was uncovered.
- Mr Ahern expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the protection of citizens' lives and health should take priority over intelligence source protection.
IN FULL
Tony Blair refused to share intelligence with Ireland over Sellafield threat, archives show
