Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

The International Agency for Research on Cancer states that these magnetic fields are possibly carcinogenic to humans, based on consistent statistical associations of high level residential magnetic fields, with the doubling of the risk of childhood leukaemia. In view of the fact that EirGrid cannot guarantee that there are no health issues involved in this, and in view of the fact that national and international studies raise serious doubts and health issues about these overhead lines, will the Government institute the precautionary principle? That principle has been adopted by the EU and the World Health Organization. Will the Government ensure that the EirGrid proposal to erect overhead high voltage power lines is cancelled and the transmission takes place through shielded lines underground and undersea, in accordance with best international practice?

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