Written Answers. - Telecommunications Masts.
Paul Connaughton
Question:
86
Mr. Connaughton
asked the
Minister for Public Enterprise
if her attention has been drawn to the anxiety felt by many local groups around the country regarding the erection of masts for mobile phones; the monitoring system, if any, which has been put in place to ensure that levels of radiation are below what is internationally regarded as a safe level; the role, if any, of the regulator in her Department; if this service for the measurement or radiation is available to local committees around the country; and if so, the cost involved.
[16211/97]
I am keenly aware of the concerns of people around the country in relation to the erection of mobile phone masts.
I should point out, however, that the construction of new masts for the provision of mobile telephone services is subject to planning legislation with limited exemptions. I do not have any role in relation to the location of masts.
Government policy in relation to mobile phone services is that these should be available as far as possible on a country-wide basis. In line with this policy, both Eircell and Esat Digifone are obliged by their licences to provide wide population coverage and the provision of such coverage necessitates the erection of a large number of masts.
The Government is, however, committed to promoting the sharing of such masts where possible as a means to reducing the number of masts needed. In this regard, a set of guidelines entitled Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures — Guidelines for Planning Authorities, published by the Department of the Environment in July last year, provide that planning authorities should encourage the sharing of facilities.
The recently adopted EU Directive on Interconnection (97/33/EC) also requires member states to promote the sharing of facilities and for arbitration of disputes in relation to sharing arrangements. Regulations to give effect to the directive will be signed before the end of this year and will provide for a role for the telecommunications regulator in settling disputes.
Arising from the increasing number of inquiries being received in my Department about the health aspects of mobile phone towers, MMDS masts and other transmission infrastructure, it has been decided to hold an international conference on this issue early next year. The conference is, as of yet, at the early planning stage and I will keep Members of the House informed as progress is made.
On the question of emissions, compliance with international non-ionising radiation emission standards is a condition attached to all telecommunications licences for mobile telephony services issued in Ireland. The Director of Telecommunications Regulation, who was appointed pursuant to the Telecommunications (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1996, is responsible for ensuring compliance with licence conditions and will arrange for monitoring of non-ionising radiation emissions.
I understand that the director is currently looking at the issue of monitoring and intends to put in place suitable arrangements in the near future. In the meantime, however, should any local committees wish to have monitoring undertaken for them, I understand that the National Electronic Technology Centre at Forbairt (01-8370101) offers a monitoring service which has been fully accredited by the National Accreditation Board. The cost of the service and other details may be obtained direct from Forbairt.
