Written answers

Wednesday, 8 May 2019

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Public Health Assessments

Photo of Pearse DohertyPearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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197. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a public health assessment has been carried out in advance of the installation of 5G technology at Buncrana Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19260/19]

Photo of Kevin  MoranKevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland (CPW) grant licences to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) who hold a Mobile Telecommunications Licence to provide Mobile Telephone Services.  The  MNOs are required at all times to comply with all the conditions contained in their ComReg licence to operate on State property.

A standard licence agreement sets out the terms and conditions under which mobile phone operators are permitted to locate on OPW property. The terms of the licence governs access, maintenance, insurance, termination, compliance with relevant legislation such as planning health and safety etc. 

All licenced mobile phone operators are required to comply with all legal requirements relating to the use of mobile telephony equipment and ancillary equipment in Ireland and in particular, the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2002 and 2003, the Health and Safety and Welfare at Work Act 1989 and the Radiological Protection Act 1991.  There is also a requirement to comply with all relevant Health and Safety Acts and operate within current standards and guidelines of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and E.U. regulations; in particularly, those in relation to radiological emission levels for occupiers of the premises and adjoining property.

The Commissioners have recently granted a licence to an MNO for the installation of 3G and 4G technologies at Buncrana Garda Station. I understand from my officials that the Commissioners do not currently propose to install 5G technology at Buncrana Garda Station.

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