Vol. 528 No. 1
257 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has received documentation concerning the document, Guidelines on Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures, 1996, from a concerned group of parents and teachers (details supplied); if he has examined this correspondence; and if he will make a statement in relation to the provision of the mast erector referred to in the documentation. [29372/00]
270 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will consider amendments and clarifications being made to the Guidelines on Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures, 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29320/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 270 together.
In July 1996 my Department issued guidelines for planning authorities on telecommunications antennae and support structures. The purpose of the guidelines was to assist planning authorities, An Bord Pleanála, operators of mobile telecommunications services and the general public by providing guidance on dealing with telecommunications masts and base stations within the planning system. I recently received a copy of a petition from a group of parents and teachers which requested that the Guidelines be amended in so far as they relate to the siting of masts in residential areas or near schools. I am, however, satisfied that planning issues relating to the siting of such telecommunications masts and base stations are adequately addressed in the guidelines and I have no proposals for any amendments at this stage.
Issues in relation to the health effects of mobile phones, masts and base stations are a matter for the Department of Health and Children while those in relation to the auditing of radiation emissions from masts and base stations are a matter for the office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulations.
