Tuesday, 9 October 2012

Questions (394)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

394. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the number of mobile phone masts here. [43340/12]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Authorisation to operate wireless equipment in the provision of communications services to the public is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Any additional requirements for planning consent would be a matter for the appropriate planning authority.

ComReg has advised me that its authorisation process does not distinguish between wireless equipment located on buildings and equipment located on telecommunications masts. ComReg is not in a position, therefore, to calculate the number of telecommunications masts in any region.

I have no statutory function in either the planning consent process or the authorisation to operate wireless equipment.