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Electromagnetic Fields Studies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 December 2013

Tuesday, 17 December 2013

Questions (380, 381)

Jack Wall

Question:

380. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Government or EirGrid will commission an independent report into the effects of overhead 440 V power lines on the health and well-being of those who live within 500 m of them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54304/13]

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Jack Wall

Question:

381. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Government or EirGrid, in examining the potential health affects of the Grid Link project, have considered the long-term effects of living in close proximity to 440 V power lines; the international studies that have been considered; the length of time over which these studies were conducted; where these studies were carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54306/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 380 and 381 together.

The issue of the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields was the subject of an Expert Group Report commissioned by the Government and published in March 2007. This Report, entitled Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, is available for download on my Department's website (www.environ.ie). The Expert Group reported that the majority scientific opinion was that no adverse short- or long-term effects have been demonstrated from exposure to electromagnetic fields at levels below the limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

A substantial volume of research on this issue is being carried out internationally by regulatory bodies with responsibilities for monitoring the health effects of electromagnetic fields. The findings of this research are being monitored by the World Health Organisation's (WHO) EMF Project; it is expected that a report will issue in 2014. My Department will continue to monitor this and other scientific evidence as it is made available, and will consider any policy implications in this context.

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