Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:187 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the erection of an Esat mast within 28 feet of Tiernakill national school, Maam, County Galway. [19778/98]
Written Answers. - Communications Masts.
A contractual agreement was concluded with the approval of the previous Government with Esat Digifone to allow them to instal mobile telephone equipment on Garda radio masts and sites. The agreement, which was in keeping 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, was 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.
Under the agreement Esat Digifone is permitted to use up to 418 Garda station sites. The Garda station at Maam was among the 418 sites identified by Esat Digifone as being of interest to them and was accordingly comprehended by the agreement with the company.
Under the terms of the contract concluded with Digifone, I would not be entitled to refuse them access to Garda sites encompassed by the contract to which I referred except for a contravention by the company of any of the conditions associated with such access.