Written answers

Tuesday, 12 February 2008

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Electricity Generation

9:00 pm

Photo of Paul GogartyPaul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 655: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will broaden the terms of his independent study into the transmission line infrastructure to address issues of concern regarding the proximity of overhead power lines to residential areas, schools and offices, including the impact of electromagnetic radiation on the human body, particularly when such pylons are located adjacent to mobile phone transmission masts; and if he will not do so, if he will recommend to the Department of Health and Children that it should carry out a concurrent study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4990/08]

Photo of Damien EnglishDamien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 661: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, further to the announced independent study on the implications of underground relative to overhead transmission lines, he will ensure the study will also investigate state of the art technologies, namely HVDC light which enhances traditional HVDC technologies, as such technology is currently used in similar privately owned projects to the proposed Meath-Cavan interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5204/08]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 655 and 661 together.

The purpose of the proposed independent study is to provide expert professional advice on the relative merits of constructing and operating overhead transmission lines compared to underground cables, having regard to technical characteristics, reliability, operation and maintenance factors, environmental impact, possible health issues and cost. The consultants will be required to provide evidence-based international best practice to their analysis. The terms of reference for the study specifically require a review to be undertaken of electrical power transmission technologies currently in use for transmission of electricity at voltages of 110 kV and above. This will include all proven technologies that are commercially available.

The purpose of the proposed study is to provide a comprehensive comparison of underground cables and overhead lines as two different methods of transmitting electricity, including the relative strengths of the electromagnetic fields generated by both methods. It is not part of the scope of this study to undertake primary research on the possible health implications of exposure to electromagnetic fields. Numerous studies of these effects are already available. Detailed consideration of the health issue was undertaken by the expert group on the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields which was published in 2007. The expert group was established by the inter-departmental committee which reviewed existing policy in light of the recommendations of the 2005 report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, titled "Non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts".

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