Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
131. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 233 of 8 December 2022, if he will consider amending the legislation governing section 254: licensing for telecommunications infrastructure, to ensure such applications go through the standard planning process, thereby facilitating public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2165/23]
View answerAs noted in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s response to PQ No. 233 of 8 December 2022, the current system for licensing for telecommunications infrastructure sits under S.254 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
My Department has worked with the CCMA, LGMA, RMO and all Local Authorities to facilitate the rollout of the National Broadband Plan, and has had good engagement from all parties in that regard.
In 2021, there were discussions between my Department and the Department of Housing regarding S.254 licences and their application for telecommunications infrastructure. This lead to an amendment of the Planning and Development Act 2000 by the Department of Housing, with Circular PL 07/2021 published on gov.ie on 18 August 2021 which provided clarification on planning exemptions applicable to certain telecommunications works. This amendment changed the parameters for fees for S.254 licences for telecoms infrastructure, to a flat fee instead of per length of cable.
My Department engages with all Local Authorities on a regional basis to examine any mechanisms which could assist with the rollout of the NBP. The licensing process is part of those discussions but, at present, there are no plans to amend the existing legislation.
