Vol. 522 No. 2
315 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will make a statement on the health implications of mobile phone masts located in areas of dense population; and if these are independently monitored and reviewed. [18441/00]
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 were unavailable or unsuitable, should free-standing masts be located in a residential area or beside schools. Given 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 health effects of masts and base stations are a matter for the Department of Health and Children while the monitoring of emissions from masts and base stations is a matter for the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation.
