The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
O’Sullivan hails ‘very significant step’ in campaign against 5G
CAMPAIGNERS in Kerry this week welcomed councillors’ support for an independent review of 5G technology.
Stop 5G Kerry member Mags O’Sullivan spoke this week following a Notice of Motion by Fianna Fáil Councillor Norma Foley at a Council meeting in Rathmore. Cllr Foley urged for “an independent review of all facts relating to 5G prior to its roll out being permitted in Kerry” in light of what she called the expert opinion of scientists worldwide.
Ms O’Sullivan said Cllr Foley’s call was “seconded and supported by Cllrs Brendan Cronin (Independent) and Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael)”, and she said the news delighted her and fellow campaigners.
“I, along with many others, are delighted with the outcome yesterday,” she told The Kerryman on Tuesday, December 17. “It’s a very significant step in the right direction. It’s a marathon we are in with the Government, not a sprint,” she added, after thanking the Councillors who raised and supported the issue.
“5G transmitters will have to be installed closer to homes and premises than previous technology generations to cover mass areas,” she claimed. “It is the impact of so many masts, transmitters and antennas which will dramatically increase everyone’s exposure to 5G wireless radiation, 24-7, 365 days a year, with no option to turn it off.
“Everyone will be exposed to this radiation whether they want it or not – including the most vulnerable in our society”, she added.
Ms O’Sullivan has previously called for a moratorium on 5G and related equipment until the Department of Communications and the communications regulator can provide enough independent, peer-reviewed, published scientific studies proving that electromagnetic radiation does not cause harm. She said cancer is her primary health concern and claimed that Ireland’s radiation limits are too low and based on outdated research.
It remains to be seen what impact, if any, this week’s developments will have. A 5G roll out is Tralee and Killarney is due to be completed by the year’s end, and Sinn Féin motion calling on the government to review the health impacts of 5G was defeated in recent weeks.
The Irish Cancer Society has said “There is simply no evidence to support worrying about phones or masts when talking about cancer risk”, and the World Health Organisation has placed mobile phone signals in a lower risk category to alcohol and processed meat.
“International organisations... assess that there is no established scientific evidence to support any adverse health effects to individuals below the exposure levels set by [the] International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP),” a Department spokesperson recently told The Kerryman.
The Kerryman contacted eir for a response to the Notice of Motion and an update on its Tralee and Killarney rollout but had not received a response by deadline.