Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 148: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is any legislation governing the erection of satellite dishes by private residents on apartment buildings here; if he has implemented a communication from the European Commission regarding same (details supplied); if management companies can remove such dishes without the permission of the owner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14667/11]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under Class 4 of Schedule 2, Part 1 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), the erection on or within the curtilage of a house of a dish-type antenna used for the receiving and transmitting of signals from satellites is exempted development, subject to certain conditions relating to the location, size and number of antennae. This exemption does not apply to apartments. The erection of a satellite dish other than within the terms of the exemption requires planning permission.

My Department acknowledges the need to balance the requirements outlined in the Commission's Communication, cited in the question, regarding the free movement of goods and services and an individual's access to satellite receptions of their choice with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development and the potential visual impacts of such dishes and antennae.

It is a matter for management companies to ensure their compliance with any EU law relevant to their operations. The regulation of management companies is a matter for the Department of Justice and Law Reform.