Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 1

Written Answers. - Telecommunications Masts.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

54 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the ESB has adhered to the Government's guidelines on the location of mobile phone masts in relation to the decision to erect a mast at the ESB site at Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27692/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

My Department published Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures in July 1996. The guidelines were issued to assist planning authorities, An Bord Pleanála, operators of mobile telecommunications services and the general public by providing guidance on dealing with telecommunications antennae and support structures within the planning system.

The particular mast at Newtownpark Avenue is located on an ESB site but is owned by Meteor Mobile Communications. Planning permission was granted by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and this decision was subsequently appealed by a local residents' group to An Bord Pleanála which upheld the decision. I am precluded under the Planning Acts from exercising any power or control over any individual application or appeal and it would be wholly inappropriate for me to comment on the outcome of any individual case.