Government plans to allow a mobile phone mast near two south Dublin schools could harm children's health, it was claimed today.
Campaigners fear radiation from the base station on a public building in Rathmines will pose unknown risks to pupils.
Green Party chairman John Gormley said he was opposed to the mast and called on Mr Tom Parlon, junior minister at the Office of Public Works, to step in and block any building work.
It is understood builders will move in over the weekend to erect the base station on Ardee House, the Dublin home of the Central Statistics Office.
"Even at this late stage we are hoping that the Government will reconsider this ill-advised and irresponsible decision," Mr Gormley said.
Schoolchildren, teachers, locals and politicians gathered at Ardee House to protest against the base station.
Mr Gormley pointed to the UK Independent Expert Group of Mobile Phones, the Stewart Report, which recommended a precautionary approach to building masts. But that report said there was no evidence mobile phones were harmful to adults.
Planning development guidelines recommend they are built more than 50 metres from schools, but it is understood masts can be erected on public buildings without applying for planning permission.
The Green Party TD said pupils at St Louis High School and St Mary's College Rathmines will be exposed to high radiation levels even if the mast does follow the 50-metre guideline. Experts also believe youngsters can absorb radiation easier than adults.
A spokesman for the Office of Public Works said the department followed planning rules and met strict criteria before any masts were installed.
PA