Leixlip - chance to live up to it’s name

Leixlip, Co. Kildare in the Republic of Ireland is the setting for a conflict arguably as important as the Battle of Confey, when Viking King Sigtrygg Caech of Dublin defeated the Irish King of Leinster in the year 917. Controversy surrounds construction of a 31m communication mast adjoining a new police station which will use the Tetra microwave transmission system.

The placename (pronounced leek-slip) comes from the Norse Lax Hlaup, which means "leap of the salmon". The name in Irish, “Léim an Bhradáin”, is a direct translation first adopted in the 1890s. The salmon in Irish mythology is a symbol of knowledge.

Located 15km west of Dublin, the town was also home to Arthur Guinness's first brewery and is the site of computer microchip manufacturer Intel’s European headquarters and printer cartridge manufacturer Hewlett-Packard. In 2008 Guinness, now a part of the Diageo drinks conglomerate, announced the historic return of the brewery to the town with the construction of a new facility.

Controversy centres on two issues:

1) location of such a powerful communications mast - capable of carrying other wireless technologies including mobile phones, internet, television and radio - within 500mtrs of five schools and numerous playschools - in a residential area; and 

2) safety implications of the Tetra system within metres of staff working inside the building, residents whose property adjoins the Garda station and most importantly the 2,000 children attending the nearby schools whose brains have been proven to absorb 75 percent of the Tetra microwave radiation both above and below ground.

Currently much information is available regarding microwave research but it is fragmented - whether intentionally or unintentionally - creating confusion and indifference.  Silent Scream addresses these issues, to collect information, raise awareness and create a public dialogue between science, private enterprise, government and the public.

The knowledge gathered from a place named after the venerable salmon - like the technology developed at Leixlip - can spread across the web to protect children everywhere. The eventual goal of knowledge has many purposes: honour from achievement, power and money. From the salmon pool of Leixlip knowledge can lead to wisdom and the protection of children - and the future - everywhere.