Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)

Naturally there are fears regarding masts and structures if people live in urban areas in which a national school is near a Garda station with such telecommunications infrastructure. One of the most significant reasons for such fears is that masts are erected without any form of communication with the local community. There is no contact with the people before such masts arrive, which leads to a barrier straight away.

I will cite another example regarding North West Electronics. The Minister of State will be aware of the positive elements of the group broadband schemes. An article in SiliconRepublic.com states that group broadband schemes have been an abject failure. While that may be the case nationally, North West Electronics, an energetic private company in Donegal, has been rolling out an expansive group broadband scheme. It uses masts and the telecommunications antennae required for such infrastructure. They do so in two ways. First, they locate such masts away from population centres. Second, it has embraced the positive measure of consulting local communities. It asks people what would be the prime locations for such masts from the perspectives of topography and sensitivity in respect of distance from population centres. This is the kind of best practice on which Members should focus. Moreover, when dealing with the public, other private companies could learn a lesson in this respect.

When the past four or five years are considered, O2 and Vodafone may ask why there was such a revolt in rural areas. County Donegal lacks widespread telecommunications or telephone cover because of people's objections. However, the main reason for this is that the companies arrived without contacting the local communities. The lesson to be learned regarding telecommunications infrastructural investment is to contact the local people first and get them involved from the outset. I know of no one in a rural area who does not want advanced communications systems.

Many difficult questions must be answered regarding an integrated approach on the part of State bodies. On one hand, Donegal, Leitrim and Cork county councils may be working in one direction, while on the other, health boards may require their own telecommunications to provide for their emergency response units. Although RTE possesses the prime locations, it charges local authorities and emergency response units. In other words, one branch of the public service sector charges other sectors of the public service. Difficult questions must be answered in terms of value for money and the integrated approach. Lessons could be learned from the approach adopted by O2 and Vodafone, which share masts. This also must be done at a State level and the subjects of value for money and integration must be examined. A better managed system in terms of mast-sharing should also be examined. Perhaps a more comprehensive roll-out in a more imaginative manner than obtains at present might follow.

I thank the Cathaoirleach for permitting my digression in respect of salmon. I appreciate it.