John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1118: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 specifically exclude educational facilities, child care facilities and hospitals from the schedule of buildings on which telecommunications antennae can be installed without planning permission; and if this exclusion was made on a whim or on foot of advice or research available to his Department. [11146/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Planning and Development Regulations 2001 were approved by the Oireachtas in December 2001 following discussion at the Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government on 13 December 2001. As the then Minister stated in his address to the committee, the main concern relating to health issues as regards telecommunications antennae was whether it was likely that there could be public exposure to non-ionising radiation and in excess of those limits specified by the Director for Telecommunications Regulation and, to address this matter, the regulations stipulated that the emissions from any antennae must comply with the limits set down by the Director for Telecommunications Regulation. However, as the Minister also stated, he appreciated the concern that some members of the public had about perceived health risks and telecommunications antennae and, in view of the concerns expressed by committee members, he excluded educational buildings, child care facilities and hospitals from the type of permitted buildings to which antennae may be attached.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1119: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the recommendation of the British independent expert group on mobile phones (details supplied) and on the British Government's response; his views on whether the British approach is an example of good practice in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11145/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The erection of all telecommunications masts already requires planning permission from the relevant planning authority unless specifically exempted under the Planning and Development Act or Regulations. The proposed British Government response to the report from the independent expert group on mobile phones appears similar to our requirements.

The legislation governing the planning system has been comprehensively reviewed in recent years culminating in the Planning and Development Act 2000 and associated regulations. I am satisfied that requirements relating to mobile phone masts have been well addressed from a planning perspective within this process.