Vol. 528 No. 3
74 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on the safety of overhead pylons for residents living nearby; the contact she has had with the ESB regarding the laying of pylons underground; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30383/00]
The safety of overhead pylons to residents living in close proximity has been the subject of widespread international study and research over many years. The bulk of international scientific opinion does not support the association of health risks with overhead power lines.
Last month, the UK childhood cancer study which is examining, among other things, health risks associated with residential proximity to overhead power lines, substations and underground cables, reported – British Journal of Cancer (2000) 83 (11), 1573-1580 – no evidence that either proximity to electrical installations or the magnetic fields they produce is associated with increased risk of childhood leukaemia or any other cancer. The UK childhood cancer study is the largest and most comprehensive yet undertaken anywhere in the world into the question of health and electricity power lines.
The siting of pylons and power lines is a day-to-day matter for ESB and not one in which I have a function. However, in the course of regular meetings with the chairman of ESB, he keeps me updated on such matters. My officials also keep in regular contact with ESB officials in order to keep up-to-date with ESB infrastructural developments.
