Parents angry over proposed Eircom mast near school
Eircom wants to construct a 15 metre-high support mast, carrying three radio aerials for use by the emergency services, adjacent to Ballincurrig national school, near Midleton, Co Cork.
The mast, which is part of the new National Digital Radio Service (NDRS), would be used to transmit communications to gardaí, fire brigades and the ambulance services.
Parents said they are not against having a mast in the locality, but are concerned that its location is not appropriate, especially as there could be health implications. for children and teachers at the school.
Jackie Hogan, who has three children attending Ballincurrig NS, said parents were angry that Eircom’s planning application had been placed in the Irish Times, which “nobody reads down here”.
She was particularly concerned about possible health effects from electromagnetic fields which would be generated by the mast.
“Nobody knows about this. In 20 years’ time we could find out that our children are sick,” she said.
Norma Woods, who has a daughter attending the school, said that health concerns were a worry, but parents were more likely to win their battle because of the mast’s location.
“We have a beautiful thatched village. This mast will be ugly, it won’t fit in. It’s too near the school and there must be plenty of other areas around the locality where they could site the mast,” Ms Woods said.
Declan O’Shea, a consultant engineer whose parents live close to the site, said he had lodged an objection with Cork County Council. He claimed studies connect the low frequency electromagnetic field from digital (TETRA) radio systems with chronic health problems.
“On viewing the British TETRA Watch website, it can be seen that people in the vicinity of masts commonly complain of symptoms such as heightened sensitivity, sleep disruption, nose bleeds, itchy skin and heart rhythm problems.”
