Seán Crowe
Question:489 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to change regulations governing the placing of telecommunications masts near residential areas. [22918/03]
Written Answers. - Planning Regulations.
The erection of all telecommunications masts requires planning permission from the relevant planning authority unless specifically exempted under the Planning and Development Act or regulations. My Department has no function with regard to the siting of masts at individual locations.
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 statutory recognition under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 which provides that planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála must have regard to them in the performance of their functions.
It is not proposed to amend these guidelines.