Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent)
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554. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding his Department's review on international developments on potential health effects of EMF emanating from transmission grid infrastructure; the date that EirGrid will announce the preferred route for Grid Link and the alternative underground route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46286/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The issue of the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields was the subject of an Expert Group Report commissioned by the Government and published in March 2007. This report, entitled Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, which considered issues such as digital signals, microwaves and mobile phone masts, is available for download on my Department’s website at: .

My Department recently commissioned a study to review and report on international developments on the potential health effects of electro-magnetic fields emanating from the transmission grid infrastructures. The study is examining international developments in non-ionising radiation (NIR) and electromagnetic fields (EMF) research, since publication of the 2007 Report. The study, which I expect will be completed shortly, will also examine how the issue of NIR/EMF is dealt with in other jurisdictions.

The analysis and findings of this study will be used by a Steering Committee, convened and chaired by my Department, to make specific proposals relating to the future management of these matters including, inter alia, any consequent legislative amendments and provision of appropriate technical expertise and associated resources.

Matters relating to the preferred route for Grid Link are the responsibility of EirGrid rather than for my Department.