Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2004
141 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a mobile phone mast is being erected on the roof of the OPW buildings in Rathmines close to a school; if he shares concerns of local residents that this poses a serious health threat to the neighbourhood and particularly to school children; if he will therefore reconsider locating the mast in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32853/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn August 2003, the Commissioners of Public Works appointed telecommunications consultants, Vilicom Limited, to assess the suitability of the State property portfolio for use in the mobile telecommunications sector.
Since then, a standard agreement which sets out the terms and conditions under which operators will be allowed to install equipment on State owned properties has been finalised. Any mobile phone operator that is granted such a licence will be required to strictly comply with all relevant Health and Safety Acts and will operate within current standards and EU regulations and adhere to the guidelines on exposure limits to emissions issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.
In addition, Vilicom Limited will carry out checks on an ongoing basis to ensure that this compliance is continuous. Licensees will also be required to fully comply with normal planning regulations. It is within this strict framework that the installation of telecommunications equipment on the State building on Ardee Road, Rathmines, has been approved.
