A controversial power project involving the erection of 4,000 high-voltage pylons throughout rural Ireland continues to generate debate and divide opinion. It's likely to become an increasingly political issue ahead of the local and European elections.

Some argue that the Eirgrid lead development is vital for economic growth while those opposed to the proposal claim the possible "corridor" of 1,100 kilometres of power lines pose a real threat to our environment - and maybe even our health.

Do pylons represent the future of energy in Ireland, or should we be devoting our energy to opposing them? To discuss the contentious topic, Pat was joined by Dr. Bill Bailey this morning. Dr. Bailey specialises in environmental health issues, and particularly in the area of electric and magnetic fields. He has been invited over by Eirgrid to provide advise on their plans, although Bailey stresses, "I'm an independent scientist... Eirgrid look to me as a technical resource for what the status on research is for electrical and magnetic fields".

He explained to Pat, "Wherever you are in modern society you're moving in and out of fields from a variety sources - whether that's wiring in the home, low-voltage sources, power lines, what-have-you. A study was done in the UK, and they found that low-voltage sources in and around the home were a majority of people's sources of exposure as compared to high-voltage power lines."

Dr. Bailey also explained how "burying the lines does not completely remove the magnetic fields." He says the exposure "would be lower" if the lines are 40-feet in the air rather than 6-feet underground.

You can listen to the full interview via the player above.