State lies low in digital masts row

I SUPPORT the parents of children attending Ballincurrig NS, near Midleton, Co Cork, in their protest against eircom’s plans to erect a digital radio mast just 50 metres from the school.

I have raised this matter at numerous meetings of Cork County Council, but the problem continues. The Department of Education has decided to take no action on the siting of telecommunications masts near schools as it considers that such “health and safety” issues are the responsibility of each school authority.

The education department in Britain sent letters to all schools advising a precautionary approach and in Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Italy and parts of the US, mobile phone masts cannot be sited near schools.

Appeals by schools against the siting of masts nearby are made to An Bord Pleanála.

However, it has a strategic planning role and does not consider health issues relevant when determining an appeal.

While evidence on the effects of low-level radiation remains inconclusive, why does the Government not advocate a precautionary approach?

Cllr Noel Collins

‘St Jude’s’

Midleton

Co Cork