Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 4

Written Answers. - Communications Masts.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

310 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that the erection of communication masts at Garda stations is in accordance with the guideline for masts as set down by the Department of the Environment; his views on whether the proposed communication mast at the Garda station in Passage West, County Cork, is in breach of these guidelines; if he will review the agreement between Esat, his Department and the Gárda authorities for the erection of masts and, particularly, at Passage West; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20104/98]

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

The position in relation to this matter is that Esat Digifone, the second mobile phone operator, approached the Garda Síochána with a proposal to co-locate their equipment on certain Garda radio masts or sites. The Garda station at Passage West 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.

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 and the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation to consider. In this regard, I understand that the proposed development at Passage West will require planning permission. Therefore, residents in the area will have the opportunity to voice their objections to the relevant planning authority at the appropriate time. Under the terms of the contract with Digifone, except for a contravention by them of any of the conditions mentioned above, I am not at liberty to refuse them access.