Radiation emitted by mobile phone masts in the Republic is significantly lower than internationally-permitted limits, according to research carried out for the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
Some 80 antenna masts around the State were tested for their emissions of non-ionising radiation and all were found to be within safe limits. In some cases the levels were less than one-thousandth of the limits set by the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The tests, carried out between November 2005 and November 2006, confirm earlier research carried out for ComReg by consultants who measured radiation at over 400 sites.
The latest research was carried out by Vilicom, an Irish telecommunications company that does extensive work for mobile phone companies.
The highest level of radiation was found in Smithfield, Dublin, where readings of 4.47 Volts/ metre were recorded at two mobile frequencies, compared to the ICNIRP guideline limit of 59.36 V/m.
The next highest reading was taken at the Old Tramore Road, Waterford city (3.06 V/m on one frequency compared to a guideline limit of 58.98 V/m). Other higher than average readings were recorded at Castletroy, Co Limerick (2.8 V/m); Piltown, Co Kilkenny (2.8 V/m), Abbeyleix, Co Laois (2.6 V/m); Beggars Bush, Dublin (2.6 V/m) and Kimmage (2.6 V/m on two frequencies)
Currently, there are over 6,000 masts in the State and this number is set to increase. The Irish Electromagnetic Radiation Victims Network said that international limits on radiation needed to be revised downwards.
