In July 1996 my Department issued guidelines for planning authorities on telecommunications antennae and support structures. The guidelines advise that "in the vicinity of larger towns and city suburbs operators should endeavour to locate in industrial areas or in industrially zoned land". It also advises that "only as a last resort should free standing masts be located in a residential area or beside schools". The purpose of those 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.
Prior to the erection of a communication mast a developer is required to seek planning permission. Section 30 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 precludes the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government from exercising power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála may be concerned. It is not therefore open to my Department to issue orders overruling the decisions of a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála, or exempting developments from safety criteria, or to become involved in any enforcement matters.
