Written answers

Tuesday, 6 November 2007

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Electricity Generation

9:00 pm

Photo of Damien EnglishDamien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 523: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will change regulations to ensure that all 400kV power lines are placed underground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27483/07]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides planning authorities with the discretionary powers to grant planning permission subject to conditions as appropriate to the individual project. Under the Strategic Infrastructure Act, 2006, An Bord Pleanála has powers to attach conditions in respect of applications made to it under the new strategic consent process. In relation to electricity transmission lines specifically, this means that planning authorities and the Board already have powers to require that power lines be placed underground, if, for example, they are in close proximity to inhabited dwellings, or exceed a particular voltage.

The interpretation and implementation of planning legislation is a matter in each case for the planning authority concerned and ultimately for the Courts. However, the legislation sets out that in making decisions on planning applications, planning authorities must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the development plan, any submissions or observations received, and relevant Ministerial or Government policies. I believe the current discretionary powers available to the Board and to planning authorities to be appropriate. Accordingly, I have no proposals at the moment to make the suggested amendment.

Photo of Damien EnglishDamien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 524: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that there are no health risks related to exposure from electromagnetic radiation associated with 400kV power lines; and if he will make a statement regarding the health risks for residents living within the vicinity of such lines. [27486/07]

Photo of Tony KilleenTony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Government published the report of the Expert Group on the Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields earlier in 2007. The Report examined a wide range of issues in relation to the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields, including those produced by electric appliances in the home and from electricity pylons. It answers many of the health risk questions raised by the public in relation to the potential effects of electromagnetic fields, and is available for download on the Department's website (www.environ.ie).

With regard to Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) fields emitted by electricity power lines, the Report concluded that there is limited scientific evidence of adverse health effects. The Expert Group have recommended that precautionary measures be used, where appropriate, and that Ireland continue to adopt and enforce the international guidelines developed by the International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation Protection and endorsed by the World Health Organisation and the European Union.

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