Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

However, the guidelines also note that the Government's telecommunications policy aims to place Ireland in the top quartile of OECD economies as regards availability, price and quality of telecommunications services. They also state that planning authority development plans should include a policy statement in regard to telecommunications which accepts the importance of a high quality telecommunications service.

I understand that the proposed development in this case consists of the construction of a 15 m support pole to carry three radio aerials for use by the emergency services, namely, Garda, ambulance and fire brigade, together with associated equipment for a new national digital radio service, at Eircom Exchange, Ardrinnane, Annascaul, County Kerry. The Minister has been informed that Kerry County Council refused permission in accordance with section 12.16.11 of the county development plan, which states that telecommunication masts should not be located within 1 km of residential properties, schools, hospitals or any structures where there is human occupancy for residential or daily work purposes. However, he understands that in granting permission on appeal, An Bord Pleanála considered, having regard to the location of the proposed development within the village, its height and the surrounding pattern of development, that the proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area, or of property in the vicinity; would not be prejudicial to public health and would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

The board also attached a condition to the permission that after ten years telecommunications structure and related ancillary structures would be removed unless, prior to the end of the period, planning permission should have been granted for their retention for a further period.

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