As would be normal in the case of any major contract, the parties to the contract in relation to the use of Garda sites and masts by Esat Digifone maintain contact in regard to progress in the implementation of the contract.
In this context, officials of my Department recently met representatives of Digifone to discuss progress in implementing the agreement providing for the co-location of mobile telephony equipment at a specified number of Garda masts and/or sites.
At this meeting, discussions took place in relation to progress in implementing the contract, including issues that have arisen from local opposition on certain occasions to the erection of Digifone equipment at certain Garda sites, including Kerrykeel Garda Station, County Donegal.
I understand that these discussions are ongoing and that my Department will shortly be meeting again with Digifone.
I would, finally, reiterate that such contact between parties to the contract is in no way extraordinary and has occurred in relation to sites such as Maam, County Galway and Castlefin, County Donegal.