Mast protesters blame Government for health problems
Monday May 15 2006
At a weekend rally in Toomevara, Co Tipperary, the failure of the Government to introduce proper regulations for the mobile phone industry was identified as the biggest single problem.
"Mobile phone companies will do what they are told to do, but it is the Government that we see is at fault for our problems," said John Cummins, chairperson of Better Environment & Safer Telecommunications.
"At the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications in June last year, Deputy Noel O'Flynn said that there are people in Ireland suffering ill-health because of their proximity to phone masts.
"Some 11 recommendations were made and we want all those recommendations implemented - but no progress is being made."
Among the recommendations were that a panel of medical experts be set up to investigate individual cases where people living close to mobile phone masts are complaining of ill-health.
The co-use of masts by phone companies was also recommended instead of the current situation where each company establishes its own mast. Another recommendation involved a set distance for masts from schools and hospitals.
"Really, nothing tangible has been done by Government, despite those recommendations, so we really see a lack of willingness to address this problem," Mr Cummins told reporters.
Some 300 protesters, well short of the 1,000 anticipated, turned up at the demonstration, causing tailbacks on the N7 route.
- Eugene Hogan
