Gardaí reveal health fears as digital radio system set to come into force

GARDA representatives have said they are concerned about the safety of a new digital radio system being rolled out in the force.

The appeal comes amid concerns about possible health effects from emissions from digital radios.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell announced details of a new digital system on Monday, which will begin in north Dublin and, after evaluation, be rolled out nationwide within two years.

Welcoming the long-awaited development, the Garda Representative Association (GRA) said there were some health concerns.

“We would like to have our fears allayed that this is an entirely safe system,” said GRA president, John Egan.

“In fairness to our membership, they’re entitled to a system that is as safe as possible, for people who use it and people who reside beside the installations.”

He said research had not yet come to a definite conclusion about the possible risks: “It’s not clear one way or the other and the jury is out. The main police association in England and Wales has repeatedly sought assurances from the British government on the issue. Their digital radio system, Airwave, was introduced in 2005. We understand the huge potential and operational benefits Airwave can provide. However, no one can categorically state whether the system is safe or unsafe,” said a spokesman for the Police Federation.

“Scientific opinion remains divided on the long-term health effects on Airwave users and residents close to the sighting of masts.”

He said more research was being conducted to further a Home Office report which found there were no long or short-term health effects.

He said most reports had so far proved inconclusive or were still to be completed.

A spokeswoman for Mr McDowell said the tender process had made it clear to potential suppliers that the system would have to comply with the guidelines set out by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation (ICNIRP).

She said the winning bidder — Tetra Ireland — had “indicated” their compliance with the guidelines.

The spokeswoman said garda management had engaged Compliance Engineering Ireland to carry out an independent review.

It found those using the system were “well within” the limits of exposure set down by the ICNIRP and the European Commission.

She added the garda chief medical officer had consulted with the British Home Office and Lancashire Police and reviewed the findings by Compliance Engineering Ireland. This confirmed the system’s safety.