Under the planning code, planning permission is normally required for telecommunications masts. Longstanding policy from my Department advises that only as a last resort should free standing masts be located in a residential area or besides schools. It is a matter for each local authority to ensure that developments permitted in their area conform to those standards.
Following the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Report on Non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts of June 2005, the Government, in September 2005, approved the establishment of an inter-departmental advisory committee and an expert group, working to the committee, on the health effects of electromagnetic fields. The committee, on which my Department is represented, is constituted provide advice to the Government on the appropriate action to be taken on foot of the recommendations contained in the Oireachtas Committee report. The work of the committee and expert group is in train and I understand that their report is expected to be made to the Government by the end 2006, following which the Government will address appropriate action.
