Vol. 472 No. 3
217 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Justice the areas in which Garda masts are located, in view of the alleged agreement between the Garda Síochána and Esat in respect of the use of Garda masts; whether planning permission will be required in respect of those masts which were exempted from requiring planing permission for the use of microwave signals in the context of intensification of use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23215/96]
Garda masts are located at practically all Garda stations, at a number of "hilltop" sites and at certain Garda establishments such as Garda national headquarters, DMA headquarters etc.
There is no agreement between the Garda and Esat. While the Garda authorities have been engaged in discussions with Esat Digifone in relation to the possible use of Garda masts by Esat, no agreement has been concluded. Any such agreement would provide that Esat must comply fully with planning requirements and various other requirements which have been outlined by my Department to the Garda authorities, on the basis of consultations with the Office of Public Works; the Department of Finance; the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications and the Chief State Solicitor's Office. It is not possible to say yet if, and when, such an agreement will be reached.
