Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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53. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has taken action to protect the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, the only gold reserve in the northern hemisphere, from light pollution and other forms of interference. [13092/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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There is currently no legislation in Ireland dealing specifically with environmental light pollution, and my Department has no role in this regard. I am advised that the amount of light that might emanate from a proposed development is considered in assessing individual planning applications on a case by case basis. However there is no specific national strategy in place in relation to 'light pollution' under environmental legislation.

The designation by the International Dark-Sky Association of 700 square kilometres on the Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry, as the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Ireland has been a significant addition to the county’s rich tourism profile.

I understand that the Deputy is concerned with the potential impact of a pilot communications antennae project in the Black Valley area of Kerry. I further understand that officials at the Department of Rural and Community Development were contacted by a company which was interested in exploring possible sites for a small-scale pilot deployment of the company's equipment in the State, in line with the provisions of a trial license issued by the Commission for Communications Regulation.

The company was provided with the contact details for the Local Authority Broadband Officers by the Department of Rural and Community Development. They also addressed the monthly Broadband Officers network meeting on 25 February 2021.

The decision to proceed with the pilot is a matter for the relevant Local Authority and my Department has had no role in the matter.