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Concern expressed after permission granted for mast

Wednesday, 04 November 2009

A NORTHSIDE man has expressed serious concern at the location of a new mobile phone mast at his local shopping centre. Con Colbert, from Raheny, has reacted angrily after An Bord Pleanala gave permission for the mast at Greendale Shopping Centre, Kilbarrack. Mr Colbert has been a lifelong sufferer of electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), a condition that is believed to cause headache, fatigue, dizziness and other symptoms when sufferers are exposed to strong electromagnetic fields. He told Northside People he has spent years researching the potential dangers of mobile phone masts and other radiation emitting technologies. However, a recent Department of the Environment report stated that there were no adverse short or long-term health effects shown to occur from exposure to mobile phones and base station transmitters. Mr Colbert claimed that the planned mast for the centre is “totally unnecessary” and believes it could pose a serious health risk. Mr Colbert objected to the planning permission claiming that there was growing evidence of health problems associated with masts.  Dublin City Council initially declined permission for two transmission dishes at the site, along with four ground-based units. However, An Bord Pleanala has overturned the decision. Mr Colbert claimed that the mast would limit his ability to enjoy the area without risking his health. “I have been closely studying the effects of radiation for over 20 years because of my condition,” he told Northside People. “This mast will add to the local radiation load. “There are already antennae on plenty of roofs in the area.” Mr Colbert claimed that unpleasant results can be caused to people with hypersensitivity when exposed to mobile phone radiation. When travelling in public he said he is constantly aware of his surroundings and the vast number of masts and dishes positioned around the city by mobile phone operators. “If I am on the bus and someone answers their phone beside me, it tends to sap my energy, leaving me very fatigued,” he stated. “I don’t carry a mobile because I am too sensitive to these signals but I am able to use laptop computers and other appliances for short periods of time.” The Department of the Environment report stated that while the symptoms reported by EHS sufferers were real, they were not linked to exposure to fields, and that sufferers do not experience worse symptoms when exposed to electromagnetic fields. ComReg licensees must ensure that non-ionising radiation emissions from each transmitter operated under their licence must be within the limits set down in the guidelines published by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. Levels of radiation emissions from a licensed transmitter must not exceed the limits in any part of the site or surrounding area to which the general public has access. ComReg regularly test sites across the country to ensure they comply with their strict regulations.  Donaghmede ward councillor Tom Brabazon (FF) said he was disappointed with An Bord Pleanala’s decision. Cllr Brabazon said there were genuine health concerns surrounding masts.  “I think the proliferation of communications antennae needs to be looked at not just from an aesthetic perspective but also on health grounds,” he stated. Cllr Brabazon added that the public have genuine concerns and these need to be allayed. Northside People contacted Greendale Shopping Centre but the person dealing with the issue was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.