Independent TDs to meet Brennan over phone masts

The Independent TD for Wicklow, Ms Mildred Fox, has expressed dissatisfaction with assurances on the safety of radiation from…

The Independent TD for Wicklow, Ms Mildred Fox, has expressed dissatisfaction with assurances on the safety of radiation from mobile telephone masts.

Ms Fox and the other four Independent TDs are to meet the Government Chief Whip, Mr Seamus Brennan, in Leinster House today, after which she will decide whether the issue will affect her support for the minority Government.

Officials from the Department of Justice are to meet representatives of the Garda and Esat Digifone today to discuss the controversy that has erupted about the construction of telecommunications masts at Garda stations.

Pending that meeting the Minister for Justice, Mr O Donoghue, refused to comment beyond saying he believed the stability of the Government was rock solid.

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After she attended a presentation by Esat Digifone to members of Wicklow County Council, Ms Fox said nothing she had heard would completely assuage the concern of her constituents over the erection of mobile telephone masts.

Wicklow County Council had invited Mr Gavin Lee of Esat to make the presentation following concern over the erection of mobile phone masts in the county.

Yesterday's meeting also heard a presentation from Mr John Reynolds, a consultant on non-ionising radiation, who is concerned about the effects on human health of such radiation.

During the meeting Ms Fox questioned Mr Lee about the contract they had with the Garda. She asked whether the agreement was on a State-wide basis or "if there is an offset clause in each case".

She also asked why Esat Digifone did not more actively pursue "co-location" with other agencies using masts.

She questioned delays in applying for planning permission for specific sites in Wicklow.

Ms Fox's questions followed the incident in Co Donegal last week in which local anti-mast campaigners clashed with gardai as an attempt was made to erect a mast and antenna at Kerrykeel Garda station.

The dispute was settled when the Donegal Independent TD Mr Harry Blaney received a commitment from the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, that while the Garda mast would be erected no Esat Digifone apparatus would be attached to it.