Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 834: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has established guidelines regarding safe exposure limits for humans regarding underground power cables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11070/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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In March 2007 the Government published the report of the Expert Group on the Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). Following the publication of the Expert Group Report the responsibilities then held by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in relation to the health effects of EMF were transferred to my Department.

The Expert Group Report examined a wide range of issues including the potential health effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) fields such as those produced by electrical appliances in the home as well as by high voltage power cables. The Report and its recommendations have been accepted by the Government. It is available for download on my Department's website (www.environ.ie).

The Report recommended that Ireland continue to adopt and enforce the international guidelines developed by the International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These guidelines have been endorsed by the World Health Organisation and are recommended by the European Commission to EU Member States. They are based on a weight of evidence review from all peer-reviewed scientific literature, and provide adequate protection for the public from any EMF sources. They set exposure limits that are applicable for both public and occupational exposure, regardless of whether the cable is located above or below ground level. While the guidelines were first published in 1998, they are under continual review, and still have appropriately protective limits. The guidelines can be downloaded from the ICNIRP website (www.icnirp.org).

I am advised by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources that the overhead electricity lines and underground electricity cables developed and operated by EirGrid and the ESB fully comply with the most up-to-date recommendations of ICNIRP in respect of exposure to electric and magnetic fields.