Power link opponents trip the wrong switch

OBJECTORS to the proposed HVDC (high voltage direct current) link between Ireland and Britain claim the cables pose a health risk.

High voltage overhead lines may well be dangerous to health, but cables are not because the electric and magnetic fields are contained with the cable, and direct current is safer than alternating current because it cannot induce extraneous currents.

This is an essential project to allow Ireland to export and import power to and from Britain and, like wind turbines and the Corrib gas pipeline, it is necessary to combat global warming, to provide some degree of energy independence and as protection against peak oil, while posing virtually no health risk.

Why is it that people clamour for road-building and measures to encourage the exponential growth of traffic, happily accepting traffic danger, the health effects of pollution, global warming, increased reliance on imported oil and environmental destruction, and yet out of ignorance and superstition oppose such beneficial and innocuous projects?

Michael Job

Rossnagrena

Glengarriff

Co Cork