9 May 2006

Environment

Mobile Phone Masts and Schools

Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will put in place regulations to ensure that mobile phone antennae are not placed in close proximity to schools and other educational establishments; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche):

Under the Planning and Development Act 2000 and associated regulations communications masts require planning permission. The Regulations do, however, set out certain exemptions in this area including, subject to certain conditions, the attachment of additional antennae to an existing antenna support structure, the erection of an antenna support structure in place of an existing antenna support structure and the attachment of antennae to certain existing structures, such as telegraph poles, electricity pylons and certain public or commercial buildings. However education facilities, childcare facilities and hospitals are specifically excluded from the exemption relating to public buildings and planning permission would therefore be required to attach antennae to such buildings.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources reported in June 2005 on Non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts. The Report made 11 recommendations, including a recommendation that planning guidelines and planning exemptions be examined with a view to ensuring that no “electromagnetic emissions” or “radio frequency emissions” emitting equipment be permitted to be sited near health centres, schools or other sensitive sites such as playgrounds or pitches etc.

Following the report of the Joint Committee, the Government, in September 2005, approved the establishment of an inter-departmental advisory committee and an expert group, working to the committee, on the health effects of electromagnetic fields. The committee will provide advice to the Government on the appropriate action to be taken on foot of the recommendations contained in the report. My Department is represented on the committee. The work of the committee and expert group is in train and it is understood that the committee expects to report to the Government before the end of 2006. On receipt of the committee’s advice the Government will make a decision regarding appropriate action. In the interim, it is not proposed to amend the Planning Regulations.