·         14.19 Cllr. Leyden – 5G Broadband

·         15.19 Cllr. Ward – Home Care packages

·         16.19 Cllr. Naughten – Verge Trimming

·         17.19 Cllr. Crosby – Opening of Bridges on River Shannon

·         18.19 Cllr. Fallon – Funding for Community Based Organisations for House insulation

 “That Roscommon County Council opposes the (1) testing of 5G and the roll out of 5G in County Roscommon, (2) calls on ComReg to deny licencing for its rollout and (3) calls on the Minister for Communications, Climate Change and the Environment to establish the facts about the radiation impact of 5G on the environment and human health with reference to global scientific knowledge”

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

Other than in matters of planning and compliance with planning legislation regarding telecommunications masts and physical infrastructure, Roscommon County Council has no legislative remit with regards to the radio frequency transmissions from such infrastructure including 5G. ComReg is the authority charged with the authorisation of Wireless Telegraphy equipment in Ireland. In managing the radio spectrum, ComReg has set down specific rules and regulations for the possession and use of radio equipment and associated transmissions and is responsible for licensing for the telecommunications industry. This applies to the radio frequency spectrum applicable to 5G. As part of its function ComReg commissions audit reports to verify that licensed operators are in compliance with their licence conditions relating to emission limits for non-ionising radiation.

In the context of broadband coverage, I would remind that a 5G network is stated as having great potential in the transmission of data and offering greatly improved mobile broadband. It can also facilitate large data volumes and diverse communications with better reliability and efficiency. The Council’s objective as outlined in the County Development Plan, is to continually improve high quality broadband services in Roscommon, where we are supporting the viability and competitiveness of existing jobs, removing a major barrier to attracting new investment to many areas of the county as well as improving quality of life and connectivity for local communities.

Cllr. Leyden outlined the reasons why she was bringing the motion for discussion including:

·         All communities in future should be consulted regarding installation of masts, both for broadband and wind. The Council should use Map Alerter for such planning applications to inform the public

·         Support for fibre broadband as the method to deliver national broadband rollout

·         5G radio emission fields are more complex and very different from 4G. Very large numbers of antennae will be required at high energy outputs.

·         Reports from scientists and doctors warn of the dangers of Electromagnetic radiation and Environment minister in Belgium stopped roll out of 5G in Brussels.

·         Roscommon County Council should exercise its responsibility to protect the environment and the public

The members welcomed the motion but expressed concern that they did not have enough information to make an informed decision on calling for a ban on 5G testing in Roscommon and felt it would be prudent to defer such decisions until such time as there is clear independent advice available.

There are a number of issues including with regard to planning such as:

·         If there a requirement to amend the County Development Plan and SPC Policy if this motion is agreed?  It was noted that

in any case such provisions can be over turned by the Department at National level irrespective of what is included in the plan

·         Is it possible to erect masts without planning permission?

Other concerns included

·         Support fibre Optic cable for broadband and not 5G unless it can be proved safe

·         Lack of mobile coverage in some areas of the county is an issue

The Chief Executive stated that an independent report from an expert is important when debating such issue to ensure that there it fair and balanced debate. It should also be borne in mind that the rollout of broadband is essential in Roscommon and his role is to give all sides of the argument.

Director of Services Mr. Shane Tiernan stated that the mobile broadband task force has made recommendations to Government with regard to infrastructure for mobile communications and have exempted a lot of transmission infrastructure from planning legislation so there are certain antennae that can be constructed without planning permission and the transmissions that take place form those is a matter entirely for Comreg.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

                SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED that a letter be sent to the Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Environment to establish the facts about the radiation impact of 5G on the environment and human health with reference to global scientific knowledge and moratorium on the roll out until the facts have been established.

Cllr. Leyden and Cllr. Ward requested that the Cathaoirleach accommodate a special meeting if the experts can be arranged and he agreed it would be considered.

Mr. Martin Lydon confirmed that there is no requirement to change development plans or any associated policies because when dealing with the planning application it is only the structures that is relevant. All the other legislative

requirements are covered elsewhere within the statute book.