I have not had any surveys or investigations carried out as regards possible health problems from telecommunications masts and antennae. With regard to the number of masts and antennae here and their proliferation, this is a matter for the local planning authorities who are responsible for approval for the erection of masts in a particular area and I have not been in contact with the Director of Telecommunications Regulation about the numbers of these masts.
Monitoring of emission levels from telecommunications masts is a function of the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation and that office publishes an audit report of licensed telecommunications operators each year. Telecommunications companies operating here are required to have measures in place to ensure compliance with the general public exposure limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection, ICNIRP. From time to time my Department has referred inquiries regarding possible excessive emission levels from telecommunications masts to the office of the telecommunications regulator.
As regards possible health risks from telecommunications masts, a number of studies and reviews on the question of health and safety have been carried out internationally. I am advised that the World Health Organisation has assessed the many scientific reviews of possible health effects associated with radio frequency fields associated with mobile phone telecommunications systems. The WHO has stated that none of these reviews have concluded that exposure to radio frequency fields from mobile phone transmitter masts causes any adverse health consequences. Research in this area is ongoing and medical officers in my Department keep up to date with developments.
Guidelines issued by the Department of the Environment and Local Government to all local authorities in relation to the location of masts recommend that, where possible, free standing masts should not be located in residential areas or beside schools. Should evidence emerge of a significant risk to public health from emissions from telecommunications masts, I would seek to have appropriate remedial measures put in place by the relevant Departments and agencies.
