Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 7

Written Answers. - Telecommunications Masts.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

16 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the planning advice being issued to local authorities about locating telephone masts near schools and hospitals; and the proposals if any, there are to change these guidelines in view of the recent Stewart report in the United Kingdom. [14555/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey): In July 1996, my Department issued guidelines for planning authorities on telecommunications antennae and support structures. The purpose of the guidelines was to assist planning authorities, An Bord Pleanála, operators of mobile telecommunications services and the general public by providing guidance on dealing with telecommunications masts and base stations within the planning system. The guidelines specifically recommend that only as a last resort and if all alternatives are unavailable or unsuitable, should free-standing masts be located in a residential area or beside schools. Because of the concern expressed during the public consultation process on the guidelines, a statement on health and safety aspects which the Departments of Health and Children and Public Enterprise agreed with my Department, was included as an appendix to the guidelines. Health aspects are dealt with by requiring operators, as part of their planning application, to furnish to the planning authority a statement of compliance with International Radiation Protection Association guidelines.

The report of the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, the Stewart report, entitled Mobile Phones and Health to which the Deputy refers contains a series of recommendations relating,inter alia, to planning, health, etc. My remit relates to planning and I am having the report examined in this context. From an initial examination it would appear that its recommendations on planning issues are already governed by legislation and guidelines in Ireland. The recommendations in relation to the health effects of mobile phones are a matter for the Department of Health and Children while those in relation to the auditing of radiation emissions from masts and base stations are a matter for the office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation and I understand that those offices are examining the report.