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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 1996

Vol. 473 No. 1

Written Answers. - Telecommunications Masts and Electricity Substations.

Tom Kitt

Question:

196 Mr. T. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment if future planning applications for telecommunications masts and electricity substations will be requested to furnish sample surveys of radon tests prior to construction; and if so, whether any results of such surveys will be taken into account by the planning authority in question when reaching a decision. [24557/96]

Tom Kitt

Question:

197 Mr. T. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment if microscopic testing will be carried out on residential areas, particularly schools in the vicinity of electricity sub-stations, telecommunications masts and power lines. [24558/96]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.

The Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations 1994 set out the standard information required in connection with an application for planning permission. They do not contain any requirement for tests of the kind referred to but it is a matter for the planning authority, in any particular case to decide what further information may be appropriate, and the significance to be attached to such information in reaching a decision. My Department's guidelines for planning authorities on "Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures", — copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library — contain advice for planning authorities in relation to planning applications for such development but make no reference to radon as it was not considered to be a relevant issue in relation to telecommunications systems. No guidelines have been issued in relation to the planning aspects of electricity installations. The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, a body under the aegis of the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications, is responsible for radon detection and measurement and provides advice on such matters.

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