Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 6

Written Answers. - Telecommunications Masts.

Liam Aylward

Question:

360 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the grave concern of local residents, comprising development groups and parish committees who represent parents, children and the elderly (details supplied), at the proposed erection of a 100 foot mast at the new Garda station currently under construction at Kilmacow in County Kilkenny; and if his Department will liaise with those people, who are responsible objectors and with whom there was never any consultations, in order to find a satisfactory conclusion to this development. [18476/97]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I am aware of the local concerns in relation to the proposed Garda mast at the new Garda station in Kilmacow. Garda technical experts have advised that the additional height requirement at Kilmacow will be necessary to ensure adequate radio coverage for a proposed new Garda digital trunked radio network and that it was because of this that the Office of Public Works was asked to make the necessary arrangements for the erection of a 100 foot mast.

However, following the receipt of correspondence both in my Department and in the Office of Public Works, in which the concerns of the Kilmacow Development Group relating to the proposed mast were expressed, I asked the Garda to re-examine their requirements to see if a lower mast would be sufficient. I am now advised by Garda management that they could live with a 50 foot mast at Kilmacow for the time-being, but that it is unlikely that a mast of this height will be sufficient to meet their longer term needs in the context of the proposed new radio network.

The Office of Public Works was advised accordingly and I understand that it has written to the Kilmacow Residents Group and will continue to liaise with them on the matter.