The Nuclear Industry Radioactive Waste Executive (NIREX) has begun sealing the deep geological boreholes drilled in its programme undertaken in West Cumbria to identify a site near Sellafield as its chosen dump-site. The research programme began in 1988 and ended in 1997 when the NIREX application to construct a Rock Characterisation Facility was rejected by Public Inquiry and by Government. As part of the original planning application, restoration of the site must be completed by August 2000. A last-ditch application by NIREX in 1999 to extend the life of the boreholes was rejected by Cumbria County Council.