Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

As the Deputy is from Kerry and I am a Cork Deputy, I am well aware of the fact Kerry people do not lie down. I wish they would lie down more often in Croke Park, but that does not happen. However, not to trivialise the issue, I understand the Deputy's point and thank him for raising the matter. I apologise on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for being unable to take this debate, which he has asked me to take on his behalf.

Under planning legislation, the decision to grant a planning application, with or without conditions, is a matter for the relevant planning authority in the first instance or An Bord Pleanála on appeal. In making decisions on planning applications, planning authorities and the board must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the development plan, any submissions or observations received, and relevant ministerial or Government policies, including any guidelines issued by the Department. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government's 1996 guidelines on telecommunications antennae and support structures set out a locational hierarchy in regard to the siting of radio masts and advise that free-standing masts should only be located within or in the immediate surrounds of smaller towns or villages as a last resort.

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