Communications Masts.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2005

Thursday, 10 March 2005

Questions (101)

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

93 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if he has given permission for the erection of a mobile phone mast on an OPW premises (details supplied); if he will give a categorical assurance, in reply to this question, to residents living in the vicinity that the erection of the telecommunications equipment will not pose a threat to persons living in the vicinity; if, in the event of any damage being done to the health of such persons, he and the Office of Public Works will accept responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8428/05]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Parlon)

In August 2003, the Commissioners of Public Works appointed a telecommunications consultancy company to assess the suitability of the State property portfolio for use in the mobile telecommunications sector and to act in an advisory capacity to the commissioners in their dealings with mobile telecommunications operators. As part of this process, a licence to install equipment on the premises referred to has been granted to a mobile telephone operator.

Under the terms of the licence, the operator is required to strictly comply with all relevant health and safety Acts and will operate within current standards and EU regulations and adhere to the guidelines on exposure limits to emissions, issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, ICNIRP. This compliance with health and safety legislation, required under the licence agreement, also applies to any future relevant legislation-regulations and ICNIRP guidelines.