Vol. 550 No. 1
132 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress made regarding reinstatement of streets, roads and footpaths as referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 6 November 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7310/02]
The Communications (Regulation) Bill, 2002, which will be published shortly, will propose among other things to modernise legislation on road openings undertaken by telecommunications operators. It will provide that the regulatory framework applying to telecommunications operators affords appropriate and updated powers to road authorities to regulate road openings in the public interest while recognising the benefits of further investment in telecommunications infrastructure.
In addition, my Department will shortly publish guidelines for the opening, backfilling and reinstatement of trenches in public roads. This document, which was considered by the utilities and statutory bodies work group chaired by the Dublin Transportation Office, will set out, inter alia, standards in respect of the work of forming trenches, backfilling and the reinstatement of road surfaces and the associated materials which should be used.
Questions Nos. 133 and 134 answered with Question No. 49.
Question No. 135 answered with Question No. 52.
