Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to address the House on this important issue. I begin by emphasising that planning permission is generally required for communications masts. There is great confusion in this area, with many people mistakenly believing masts are exempt from the need to obtain planning permission. Like most security related developments, masts used for the purposes of or in connection with the operations of the Garda Síochána are not required to obtain planning permission. However, an alternative public consultation procedure is provided for in such cases under section 181 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.

My Department published guidelines for planning authorities on telecommunications antennae and support structures in 1996. These guidelines set out a locational hierarchy in regard to the siting of radio masts and advise the planning authorities that planning permission for free-standing masts within or in the immediate surrounds of smaller towns or villages should only be given as a last resort. In the vicinity of larger towns and in city suburbs, the guidelines state that operators should endeavour to locate them in industrial estates or in industrially zoned land. The guidelines further advise that only as a last resort and if all the alternatives are unavailable or unsuitable should free-standing masts be located in a residential area or beside schools.

There are also certain exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission for antennae. These exemptions are all clearly set out in the planning and development regulations 2001. These exemptions were the subject of extensive discussion in the House when those regulations were debated. The exemptions were endorsed by the Oireachtas in the context of the demand for additional antennae, which arises from the expectation of the public that it be possible to use mobile telephones at any time and anywhere.

One of these exemptions is the attachment of additional antennae to an existing antenna support structure or mast. This exemption is subject to several limitations. An important condition is that the attachment of the antennae must not result in the field strength of the non-ionising radiation emissions from the site exceeding limits specified by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The commission will monitor emissions, particularly where requested to do so by any concerned member of the public.

Another exemption is the attachment of antennae to certain existing structures, including public or commercial buildings, telegraph poles and electricity pylons. Again, this exemption is subject to certain limitations. Educational facilities, child care facilities and hospitals are excluded. The limitation as to the field strength of the emissions again applies.

As regards health concerns, it is the policy of my Department and the Government, as stated in the guidelines, to keep abreast of the best available information and to follow best practice in ensuring that Irish telecommunications companies operate within internationally recognised safe limits in regard to exposure to non-ionising radiation. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, in its report on non-ionising radiation from mobile telephone handsets and masts of June 2005, recommended, among other points, that planning guidelines and exemptions be examined with a view to ensuring that no equipment for emitting electromagnetic emissions or radio frequency emissions be permitted to be sited near health centres, schools or other sensitive sites such as playgrounds, sports pitches and so on.

My Department is represented on an interdepartmental advisory committee which is working on the appropriate response to the findings of the joint committee. I understand the advisory committee expects to report to the Government before the end of 2006. When we have its report and recommendations, we will consider appropriate further action. I understand the concerns of which Senator Bradford has spoken. There seem to be different views from various experts and medical people on the risks that may exist. There are several contentious installations in my constituency, where the Fine Gael candidate is a doctor. There seem to be many doctors in Fine Gael these days for some reason.