South Armagh and the wider Mournes area was being considered as a possible dumping ground for nuclear and chemical waste.
However, political stalemate at Stormont has meant the government-owned company tasked with finding sites cannot progress with plans in Northern Ireland.
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan, the party’s Energy, Environment and Climate Change, said the British government cannot use the north to dump toxic waste.
“I welcome that earlier British government plans to use parts of counties Armagh and Down as sites to dispose of nuclear waste have now been ruled out,” said the Newry/Armagh MLA.
“Britain cannot use the north as a dumping ground for this hazardous and toxic material.
“Sinn Féin are totally against the use of nuclear power, the British Government should be looking at ways to phase out their use of nuclear power, not planning for more.
“The dumping of nuclear waste has dire consequences for our environment and also poses a serious health risk to the population.
“People in areas such as Keady, Derrynoose and elsewhere will not tolerate the use of their areas for dumping chemical and nuclear waste in their communities.
“The fact the British government considered these proposals shows once again the complete and total disregard they have for the north of Ireland and its people.”
