A new report says there are neither positive or negative health impacts from fluoride in community water supplies.

The study by the Health Research Board (HRB) involved an in-depth evidence review of existing research in relation to the health effects of community water fluoridation.

The HRB said that having examined the research available - and excluding dental health - it found no definitive evidence that community water fluoridation is associated with positive or negative systemic health effects.

The Irish Dental Association has welcomed the findings.

The president of the Irish Dental Association, Dr Anne Twomey, said the they would study the findings carefully.

"The review found no definitive evidence to link fluoridation to increased bone fractures, reduced IQ, cancer, heart disease, kidney disorders, Down Syndrome or increased mortality from all causes. In relation to an alleged link to bone cancer, it said the literature pointed to 'mixed' effects and no link had been proven", Dr Twomey said.

The HRB review follows 15 major peer-reviewed studies of fluoridation undertaken across the world by recognised academic authorities in the past 20 years.

The Irish Dental Association says none of these major reviews has concluded that community water fluoridation poses a known risk to general health, or have suggested halting water fluoridation.

Opponents of fluoridation have suggested that it can impact on public health.

However author of the review, Dr Marie Sutton, told Newstalk Lunchtime no negative or positive impacts were found in the areas they examined.