Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)

What is the Minister's policy on this issue? In July 1996 guidelines for planning authorities on telecommunications antennae were issued. They stated that free-standing masts should only be located in a residential area or beside schools as a last resort. However, many masts are located across the roads from schools throughout Dublin city and other cities, particularly in the Dublin Central constituency. These guidelines are simply advisory. There is a lack of policy.

While I accept planning is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has direct responsibility for all issues arising from telecommunications and mobile telephony masts. The Minister rubbished the findings of the Stewart report in a reply to Question No. 97 on 8 December 2004. In it he stated there was no validity in the recommendations that masts be located away from schools. Will the Minister correct the record and accept the validity of the case I have made, backed up by the latest expert report available?

See this speech in context