Cllr calls for more debate on use of 5G technologies

A COUNCILLOR has called for the local authority to take the issue of 5G seriously and lead the way in explaining the new technology. 

Cllr Kevin Murphy (FG) raised the issue at a meeting of the local authority this week.

‘About two-and-a-half months ago, I had a question here for the County Council in relation to 5G which is a new type of technology and I asked that we should have a debate about it in the Council chamber if we needed it,’ said Cllr Murphy.

‘I have asked for this in development meetings, too, but have got no response so far. How seriously are we taking this issue?’ he wondered.

‘People are worried out there about the introduction of 5G and we should, as a Council, lead in explaining or even making up an area where we can publicly debate it,’ he added.

Cllr Murphy added that he doesn’t know whether he is going the wrong or right way about it but said that the introduction of 5G brings with it, not only major health implications, but also benefits too.

‘We should take the lead role here and open up a public debate on it.’

Cllr Ben Dalton O’Sullivan (Ind) supported Cllr Murphy’s call and said he has been surprised with the amount of calls he has received from members of the public on the issue of 5G.

5G networks are the next generation of cellular technology which  allows for faster speeds and downloads. However, the discussion on the technology has focused on claims of its potentially cancer-causing radiation.

A recent meeting held in Clonakilty about 5G was addressed by Professor Tom Butler from UCC, a leading expert on the health effects of wireless technology and microwave radiation. He told attendees that the conversation about 5G and the cancer risks associated with it needs to begin now before it is rolled out across communities.