Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 2

Written Answers. - Mobile Phone Masts.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

703 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will introduce regulations to ensure that mobile phone masts and communications antennae are sited a reasonable or particular distance from residential dwellings and schools. [21709/01]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

704 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason regulations restricting the erection of mobile phone masts and communications antennae in close proximity to schools do not exist; and if he will rectify the situation. [21710/01]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 703 and 704 together.

The erection of telecommunications masts requires planning permission from the relevant planning authority unless exempted under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts and regulations. 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 now have a specific statutory status under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. Section 28 provides that planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála must have regard to any such guidelines in the performance of their functions.

The guidelines specifically recommend that only as a last resort, and if all alternatives are unavailable or unsuitable, should consideration be given to locating free-standing masts in a residential area or beside schools. A statement on health and safety aspects which the Departments of Health and Children and Public Enterprise agreed with my Department, is 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.

I am satisfied that planning issues relating to the siting of such telecommunications masts and base stations are adequately addressed in the guidelines and that they are best dealt with in this way rather than in regulations. Accordingly, it is not proposed to make specific regulations in this matter.