Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 7

Written Answers. - Telecommunications Masts.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

92 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a company (details supplied) proposes to erect a telecommunications mast on the Garda station at Ballymote, County Sligo; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Sligo County Council and the local community are opposed to the proposal; if he will refuse the company the authority to erect the mast at the Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19253/97]

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

The position in relation to this matter is that the company involved approached the Garda Síochána with a proposal to co-locate their equipment on certain Garda radio masts or sites. The Garda station at Ballymote was included on the list of sites of interest to the company. In accordance with the desire to avoid a proliferation of such masts and to promote the sharing of masts by different operators, as recommended in the Department of the Environment guidelines for planning authorities concerning telecommunications antennae and support structures, the previous Government approved the proposal, subject to the company complying fully with planning requirements, health and safety legislation, the Radiological Protection Act and all relevant guidelines which may be set down from time to time by the International Radiation Protection Association. There is a contractual agreement with the company in relation to the use of Garda sites by which I am bound.

The Deputy will, therefore, appreciate that careful and detailed consideration was given to the company's proposal and that the agreement with the company is designed to ensure full protection to the public and the environment. Should any doubt arise in this regard it would be a matter for the relevant planning authority to consider. In this regard I understand that the proposed development at Ballymote will require planning permission.