Sir, - Fintan O'Toole (December 6th), states that a possible £2 billion could be raised by auctioning off the third-generation mobile phone licences. This is, apparently, the procedure in most Western European countries.
Not only should this money be raised by the State, but a large proportion of it should be held against possible future claims from those who feel they may have suffered by the injudicious placing of mobile phone masts close to residential homes and schools.
The number of local groups campaigning in the State against the location of mobile phone masts in residential areas is a living testament to the growing unease over possible health effects.
Securing a large bond against the eventuality of a claim would be judicious. - Yours, etc.,
Cllr Mary White, Green Party Spokesperson on the Environment, Killedmond, Borris, Co Carlow.