Vol. 470 No. 2
166 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he will consult with Esat, Telecom Éireann and Eircell to co-share/co-locate masts and antenna on mutually suitable sites throughout the country for the provision of the mobile telephone network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18694/96]
I am well aware of the desirability of co-location/sharing on telecommunications masts generally and indeed my colleague the Minister for the Environment has recently published guidelines for planning authorities in which this is encouraged. I have made my views on the matter known to all State bodies under my aegis and other telecommunications operators that have suitable sites and infrastructure and I have also requested my colleague the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht to bring these views to the attention of RTE.
I should point out that the question of where and under what conditions sharing takes place must be, in the first instance, a matter for the parties concerned. If difficulties arise in practice about this, the telecommunications and radio regulatory division of my Department is ready to provide assistance.
