Vol. 481 No. 4
31 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will initiate independent studies into the environmental implications of microwave transmitters in view of the widespread concern among communities across the country about the proliferation of masts; and if he will impose a moratorium on the building of masts pending the findings of such a study. [16100/97]
My Department published guidelines on telecommunications antennae and support structures in July 1996, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library, to assist planning authorities, An Bord Pleanála, operators of mobile telecommunications services and the general public. These guidelines were drawn up in consultation with the Departments of Health and Public Enterprise having regard to the latest data available from ICNIRP, the International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation, on electromagnetic fields and their health effects. The health implications of emissions from telecommunications antennae and microwave transmitters are the responsibility of the Departments of Health and Public Enterprise.
