There is no available evidence to suggest that microwave emissions from telephone masts are an unacceptable health hazard, according to a joint Oireachtas committee.
In a report presented to the Dail yesterday, the Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport says the lack of a public information programme has led to "unnecessary fears and anxiety and false beliefs such as suggestions that the levels of microwave emissions can be turned up or down by significant amounts".
The report also criticises the lack of consultation with local people, particularly in relation to exempted mast development. It adds: "Obligations to have sufficient masts in place at certain times to meet licence conditions are not acceptable reasons for this lack of consultation."
But while also finding that there was "prima facie evidence of breach of planning permission in some cases", the committee stressed that a comprehensive mobile phone network was essential to continued economic growth.
The report endorses the Garda Commissioner's view that a modern communications system for the force is a priority. However, it concludes that it is "not necessary to build hundreds of masts that are unsightly and may be physically dangerous in storms etc at every Garda station in the State".
