Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - County Galway Communications Mast.

Edward Nealon

Question:

326 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the large number of applications being made for communication masts in various parts of the country: if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these applications are attracting objections from local communities due to environmental and health reasons; if he will consider requesting the various companies to come together in shared facilities or using existing masts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15143/96]

Noel Treacy

Question:

365 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for the Environment the action, if any, he proposes to take to protect a community (details supplied) in County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the gravity of the situation and the entire anxiety throughout the community as a result of the proposals for the area; if he will ensure that the health of the community and the local environment are protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15662/96]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 326 and 365 together.

Responsibility for national policy in relation to the development of mobile phone networks lies with the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications. Any health issues arising from the development of such networks are matters for the Ministers for Health and Transport, Energy and Communications. As Minister for the Environment, my functions arise from the fact that communications masts require planning permission.

As indicated previously in the House. I issued draft consultation guidelines on the planning issues arising in connection with communications masts for the guidance of planning authorities, operators, and the general public. The draft guidelines advise that operators be required to furnish evidence that their installations comply with the International Radiological Protection Association guidelines or other relevant international standards. This is to ensure that best international practice is followed. The guidelines also advise planning authorities to assess the visual impact of communication mast proposals and the scope for sharing of existing facilities as a means of diminishing the impact on the landscape. Consideration of the large number of comments received in response to the circulation of the draft guidelines has now reached an advanced stage. The guidelines in final form will issue shortly.

I have no function in relation to individual planning permission applications. However, it is open to any person to make an objection to the planning authority where an application is made in relation to any particular communications mast and, if dissatisfied with the decision of the authority to appeal to An Bord Pleanála.