The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

15 July 2009

 

The first part of the Dounreay competition industry event will be hosted in Caithness by the Dounreay Stakeholder Group (DSG), with support from the NDA.

The aim of the industry event is to give potential bidders details of the competition to secure a Parent Body Organisation (PBO) for the Dounreay Site Restoration Limited Site Licence Company (SLC).

Hosting the first part of the two day event in the area will also enable bidders to meet key local stakeholders and hear first hand the socio economic impact of the closure of the site and the Caithness & North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership's plans to diversify the economy. 

The second day will be held in Edinburgh or Glasgow and will outline the overall aim and scope of the contract, the detailed timetable, and the process to be followed.

The NDA proposed this approach following discussions with the DSG and other local community organisations, including Highland Councillors and the trade unions.

The Dounreay Stakeholder Group will set up a small Steering Group to provide the programme for the first phase of the industry event which is expected to take place in early 2010. Bidders will also have an opportunity to visit the Dounreay site as well as informal interaction with stakeholders during their visit to Caithness.

It is expected that the process of competition will run from August 2009 and be completed with the announcement of the selected bidder in Spring 2011.

Randall Bargelt, the NDA's Regional Director, said:

"Dounreay is a unique site which has been at the heart of the Caithness and North Sutherland economy for more than 50 years. It is estimated one in every five jobs is currently located at Dounreay and a study undertaken in 2006 estimated that Dounreay supports one in every four jobs in Caithness. That is why the NDA has made the decision to hold a dual-location industry event - to ensure that the local community has the opportunity to outline its vision for the future.

"This event is likely to attract upwards of 150 people who have an interest in competing for the PBO contract. We listened to the community and they made it very clear that it was important for the bidders to come and see for themselves the impact that site closure will bring to the area, as well as the opportunities there are for an incoming PBO to become involved in helping to diversify the local economy." 

DSG Chairman, Alastair MacDonald added:

"Local community representatives felt strongly about this. There is no better way for people to understand the challenges that lie ahead for our community than for people to come and speak to those who are involved with looking towards a future without Dounreay and to ensure the next generation has the opportunity to continue to live and work in the area."

Eann Sinclair, Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership Programmes Manager said:

"The partnership (Scottish Government, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Highland Council and NDA) has been in existence since 2007 and steady progress on a number of projects is being made. We have identified our priority actions and everyone is working together to ensure these initiatives become a reality. Marine energy is a particularly good example of the diversification away from the dependency of Dounreay and there may be opportunities for the new PBO to be closely involved in this industry."

Trudy Morris, Chief Executive of the Caithness Chamber of Commerce added:

"We have a highly skilled workforce who are currently working towards site closure. Add to that the local supply chain which have been integral to the work at Dounreay and we have a wealth of engineering, manufacturing and fabrication expertise. We need to tell bidders that they must help ensure that we retain the skills in the area for a life beyond Dounreay."

Background

Approximately 2000 people are employed in decommissioning Dounreay, representing one in every five jobs in the local economy. This work is worth an estimated £70-80 million to the local economy annually.

The Dounreay Stakeholder Group consists of over 20 community representatives. The purpose of the group is to review performance of the site, comment on strategies and plans and well as having an interest in the socio economic impact of the rundown of the site. Website: www.dounreaystakeholdergroup.org

The Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership was created in 2007 to lead a united effort to move the local economy away from its dependence on the nuclear industry. The Partnership consists of Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council and the NDA all working in partnership to regeneration the Caithness and North Sutherland area. www.cnsrp.org

The Caithness Chamber of Commerce is committed to working with and leading its members and key partners to create a vibrant economy within Caithness that is successful, sustainable and diverse. www.caithnesschamber.com