Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 1

Written Answers. - Telecommunications Masts.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

117 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider restricting the proximity to residential boundaries of Esat masts in relation to the new regulations covering the erection of Esat masts at Garda stations in view of the loss in residential amenities which these masts cause and the potential health hazard involved; if he will review the situation at an address (details supplied) in Dublin 9 where a residence is between two masts which are less that 40 feet apart and where the amenity of this residence has been seriously eroded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10725/97]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

The exempted development regulations relating to mobile telephony contain certain provisions to minimise the impact on the adjacent environment.There are limitations relating to the height of the masts and the size and number of antennae that may be added. The regulations also provide that the exempted development shall not result in the field strength of the non-ionising radiation emissions from the ratio installations on the site exceeding the relevant emission limits set out in the operators' licences. I have no plans to amend the regulations at this stage.