The National Trust of Ireland has begun a legal challenge against the British government over a decision to approve a new nuclear plant in England.
The plant at Hinkley Point in Somerset was granted planning permission last month by Energy Secretary Ed Davey, who said the project was "of crucial national importance".
However, the trust (known as An Taisce in Irish) says the Irish people should have been consulted before the UK government granted approval.
It wants a judicial review at the High Court in London.
A spokesman said the proposed plant is as close to the Irish coast as it is to London, and is closer to Dublin than it is to Leeds.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change said it would respond to the challenge in due course.
The BBC reports the proposed £14 billion plant, to be developed by EDF, a French company, would be capable of powering five million houses.
EDF said the project could create up to 25,000 jobs during the construction period.
