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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Jun 1994

Vol. 444 No. 6

Written Answers. - Fibre Optic Cable.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

166 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that fibre optic cable can replace the need for possibly harmful radio/TV transmitter masts and is cheap, reliable, safe and available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I do not for a moment accept that transmitter masts are possibly harmful. Indeed extensive research on the issue has indicated that if such masts are operated within the guidelines agreed by the world's leading authorities in the area, for example, the Independent Radiological Protection Commission. IRPC, they do not pose a threat.

I am, of course, aware of the availability of fibre optic cable and its possible applications. I do not agree with the Deputy's assumptions however. The laying of cable is not cheap, and it cannot compete economically with broadcasting transmission over large areas. This is due to the prohibitive cost of cabling every household, especially in rural areas, with any form of cable including fibre optic cable and the complex switching necessary to deliver a range of services. In addition, cable can service fixed installations only and cannot take account of the need for mobile radio and television and telecommunications service.

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