A DUBLIN Labour backbencher, Mr Tommy Broughan, said there was deep concern in the community about the proliferation of mobile phone masts.

In an adjournment debate, he said the Minister for Communications, Mr Lowry, should have insisted on one network to be shared by Telecom and ESAT. People were worried about the health effects of the masts generating powerful high frequency electromagnetic radiation.

The Minister for the Environment, Mr Howlin, said he wanted to ensure the environmental imp of the masts would be as low gas possible.

In regard to health, draft consultation guidelines which had been issued by his Department provided that operators seeking planning permission should furnish, evidence that masts complied with the International Radiological Protection Association or equivalent standards.

His Department would consider monitoring arrangements to, ensure that installations met appropriate standards.