Vol. 545 No. 4
307 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if it is his intention to allow mobile phone masts to be erected without planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30994/01]
Telecommunications masts, other than in the case of the replacement of an existing mast, require planning permission. The 1994 Planning Regulations, as amended, set out certain types of development which can be carried out by licensed telecommunications operators without planning permission. These include the laying of underground cables, the erection of overhead telecommunications lines, the placing of satellite dishes, cabinets and containers, the use of transportable radio links, the placing of additional antennae on existing masts and the replacement of masts. All of these exemptions are subject to certain conditions and limitations.
Arising from the enactment of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, a comprehensive review of the planning regulations has been undertaken by my Department and a new set of draft regulations were sent to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment and Local Government on 31 July 2001. The draft regulations, which I am now finalising, propose no change in relation to the erection of new telecommunications masts. They will continue to require planning permission.
