Vol. 493 No. 2
63 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Esat Digifone intend to erect a communication mast at Maam Garda station, County Galway, in close proximity to Tiernakill national school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15403/98]
I am aware of the position in relation to this matter. As the Deputy is aware, this arrangement arose from an approach made to the Garda authorities by Esat Digifone with a proposal to co-locate mobile telephony equipment on Garda radio masts or sites in the context of their planned mobile telephone network.
In accordance with the desire to avoid a proliferation of such masts, as recommended in the Guidelines for Local Planning Authorities on the siting of Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures, which were issued by the Department of the Environment in July 1996, the previous Government approved the proposal, subject to Esat Digifone complying fully with planning requirements, health and safety legislation, the Radiological Protection Act and all relevant guidelines which may be set down from time to time by the International Radiation Protection Association. Following Government approval of the proposal a contract was concluded with Esat Digifone in early 1997 under which it is permitted to use up to 418 of a total 704 Garda station sites, that is, approximately 59 per cent of all Garda stations. The Garda station at Maam is among the 418 sites identified by Esat Digifone as being of interest to it.
The Deputy will, therefore, appreciate that careful and detailed consideration was given to the Esat Digifone proposal and that the agreement with it is designed to ensure full protection to the public and the environment. Should any doubt arise in this regard it would be a matter for the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation and the relevant planning authorities to consider.
Under the terms of the contract concluded with Esat Digifone, I am not at liberty to refuse it access to Garda sites, except for a contravention by the company of any of the conditions associated with such access which I outlined.
