Sir, - The search for the two hunters drowned recently in Co Mayo was hindered by the lack of radio coverage in the area. Improving GSM coverage in remote areas has a definite positive benefit on the safety of the public, while there is no evidence for any negative effects. Unfortunately, our elected representatives have decided that they know best and seem to have got themselves confused by the technical issues. One splendid example of the politicians getting it wrong was the inclusion of a 500-metre limit around schools, within which base stations may not be installed. This has no basis in scientific fact and is not related to the differing levels of output power from different base stations. It was simply included in the guidelines on the demand of a politician. It also makes no logical sense as children spend more time at home than they do at school. The limit should, therefore, apply to residential houses more than schools!
Two weeks after the drowning in Mayo we had public unrest in Donegal in which two Dail deputies got in over their heads. They were quickly followed by John O'Donoghue, the Justice Minister, who stopped the GSM base station being installed at Kerrykeel. Coming in close behind was Mildred Fox, wanting equality for Wicklow. We seem to be missing Jackie Healy-Rae, but no doubt he'll show up soon.
I will accept that the technical issues involved in understanding mobile phone systems and the emissions from base stations are complex. However, the potential benefits of having a good mobile network and the development of the emergency services' communications system is plain for all to see. The only voices of reason emanating from the Dail seem to be those of Nora Owen and Jim McDaid. It is high time the others tried thinking about the issues instead of throwing tantrums. - Yours, etc., Philip Perry,
School of Electronic Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.