5G debate dominates council meeting
A debate on 5G wireless technology dominated this week’s meeting of Tipperary Co Council, during which two separate votes were required to settle divided opinions.
Before the meeting was a notice of motion from Cllr Pat English, who wanted the council to oppose “the testing and rollout of 5G in County Tipperary and call on COMREG to deny licensing for the rollout of 5G, and furthermore that this council calls on the Minister for Communication, Climate Change and the Environment to establish the facts about the radiation impact of 5G on the environment and human health with references to the current global scientific knowledge available”.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Michael Smith said a councillor workshop had recently been briefed on the matter by a representative of the Environmental Protection Agency. But Cllr English wanted the council to be briefed by Professor Tom Butler of Cork so that members could make an “informed decision” regarding 5G. The Workers and Unemployed Action Group councillor said nine other local authorities had raised similar concerns about the rollout. CEO Joe MacGrath asked those present to consider the “potential negativity” in the message that would be sent out should the motion be passed.
The development of Tipperary - including that outlined in the recently announced 'Our Rural Future' plan - is underpinned by good communications infrastructure and that should be supported. In any case, Mr MacGrath asked what role Tipperary Co Council would have in the matter aside from planning applications, some of which may be exempt.
Cllr Joe Hannigan agreed, saying opposing the rollout of 5G in Tipperary could discourage investment in the county. He said councillors have already heard independent advice on the matter from the EPA.
"As a public representative, I feel we have undertaken our duties," Cllr Hannigan said. "We did what was asked of us."
Having spoken to a number of experts in the field, Cllr John Carroll was of a similar view. He said the council needed to embrace the opportunity of higher speed broadband that 5G would enable. "We can kick to touch or kick it goal-wards," Cllr Carroll said of the situation.
Also speaking against the motion was Cllr Peter Ryan, who pointed out that a number of people joining the online meeting experienced connection issues. 5G would help resolve such issues and would bring progress to rural parts of Tipperary, he said.
Cllr Seamus Hanafin said councillors have been receiving a lot of representations over rural broadband, particularly over the last year or so. He too was concerned over the potential impression that Tipperary Co Council is against the rollout of modern technology. Cllr Hanafin also referenced "conspiracy theories" around 5G.
Cllr Micheál Lowry made the point that 6G technology is alreay being developed; in 10 years' time there would be 8G. While he also questioned the role the council could play in the issue, Cllr Lowry doubted people would thank its members for passing the motion.
"Stopping the rollout is effectively saying were putting the barriers up around Tipperary; we don't want to move forward," Cllr Lowry remarked.
Among those in support of the motion was Cllr Siobhan Ambrose, who said no one was discrediting that people want high speed broadband but that a "balanced debate" on the matter is required.
"I don't know why rural Ireland is being brought into it," Cllr Ambrose exclaimed. "Everybody's opinion should be listened to; I don't think anybody should be shut down."
Cllr David Dunne said local representatives have been lobbied by people with "genuine concerns" about 5G and he also wanted time taken to assess the matter further.
Cllr Jim Ryan supported the call for Prof Butler to make a presentation to the council. "I do think we need to hear both sides of the story," he commented. "Nobody wants to convey a negative impression of Tipperary Co Council but we have an important decision to make here."
Also voicing support of the motion was Cllr Marie Murphy, who said "precautionary principle" should apply if there is any doubt over 5G.
Cllr English urged the council to seek alternative advice in the matter. "None of us are against broadband but there are serious health implications, especially in locations where these masts are put up," he said.
Sixteen councillors voted in favour of inviting Prof Butler to advise a council workshop on 5G, with 19 against. A vote was also taken on Cllr English's motion, which was defeated by 27 votes to eight.