The Environment Minister Phil Hogan has asked the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland to examine the impact of plans for eight new nuclear power plants in Britain.
The plants form part of plans, published by the British Government, and could be in action by 2025.
Critics of the plan say it is "unbelievable" that new plants would be built in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan.
Minister Hogan has says he is "disappointed" with the British Government's decision.