Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 512: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are guidelines regarding exclusion zones, such as residential, medical or educational areas, in which mobile telephony transmitters and masts may not be erected; where such guidelines may be viewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4894/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In July 1996, my Department issued guidelines for planning authorities on telecommunications antennae and support structures. Their purpose was to assist planning authorities, An Bord Pleanála, operators of mobile telecommunications services and the public by providing guidance on dealing with telecommunications masts and base stations within the planning system.

The guidelines advise that "in the vicinity of larger towns and city suburbs operators should endeavour to locate in industrial areas or in industrially zoned land". They advise that "only as a last resort should free-standing masts be located within or the immediate surrounds of smaller towns or villages" and also that "only as a last resort should free standing masts be located in a residential area or beside schools". The guidelines are available in the Oireachtas Library. They are also available in electronic format from my Department and will be available on the Department's website shortly.