Public Health Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Questions (1186)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

1186. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he or his officials have had discussions with officials from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in respect of the possible impact of the proposed new EirGrid high voltage power line systems on public health; if he, or his officials, have raised any concerns regarding any possible impact on persons living in the vicinity of such power lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46743/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

My Department has no function in respect of any aspect of the matter of potential health effects of electromagnetic radiation. The responsibility for such matters rests with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. The Department of Communications, Energy and National Resources has confirmed that Eirgrid follows best international practice in respect of transmission infrastructure developments and in this regard adheres to international guidelines for exposure to electromagnetic radiation developed by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.