I propose to take Questions Nos. 332 and 334 together.
All development requires planning permission unless specifically exempted under the Planning Acts and regulations. Under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 1997, both the addition of antennae for mobile telephony to an existing radio mast and the replacement of an existing mast by licensed operators are, subject to certain criteria, restrictions on the size, number and type of mobile phone antennae and compliance with certain emission standards, exempted development.
Except in the case of exempted development, a person wishing to erect a new mast or attach antennae to an existing mast must obtain planning permission from the relevant planning authority and anyone may comment on that application. The decision of the planning authority may also be appealed to An Bord Pleanála either by the applicant or by a third party or both. In considering appeals against decisions by planning authorities to grant or to refuse planning permission, An Bord Pleanála is restricted to considering the proper planning and development of the area of the authority, including the preservation and improvement of the amenities thereof, regard being had to the provisions of the development plan and the provisions of any special amenity area order relating to the said area. While, the board may grant a planning permission for a development which would contravene materially a development plan, in practice such decisions are rare.