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21 December 1999

MINISTER COMMENTS ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAST AT CASTLECOOLE ROAD, ENNISKILLEN

Environment Minister, Mr Sam Foster, today commented on a telecommunications mast being erected at Castlecoole Road, Enniskillen.

Mr Foster said: "I have been approached about this proposal and can confirm, following investigation, that the former Department of the Environment granted approval for the mast on 4 May 1999.

"However, I have also approached the Department of Health and Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) seeking re-assurance for the safety of the public.

"Their advice is that if telecommunications transmissions comply with National Radiological Protection Board guidelines and Health and Safety legislation, then the public are adequately protected. There is, therefore, no current evidence of a threat to public safety from this telecommunication transmitter.

"However, I am concerned that there is a need for further research to underpin present advice on all such transmitters and welcome the fact that this is being currently undertaken through a range of research projects."

 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. Permitted development rights for a range of telecommunications development are given to telecommunications code system operators by Class A of Part 17 of the Planning (General Development) Order (NI) 1993, as amended. These rights, which are subject to limitations and conditions to protect amenity and the environment, include the installation or alteration of mast up to 15 metres in height, and the replacement of existing masts (up to the height of the existing mast even if it is more than 15 metres in height). However, certain permitted development, largely ground based masts, is conditional on the code system operator applying to the Department for a determination as to whether its "prior approval" to the siting and design of the proposed development is required.
  2. In April 1999, Orange PCS Ltd sought the Department's "prior approval" to the erection of an eleven and a half metre high telecommunications mast at Castlecoole Road, Enniskillen. The mast, which is of the single pole type with single antennae on top, is considered to be the least visually intrusive of the various types of telecommunications masts that can be erected by Telecommunications Companies.
  3. Following consideration of the planning issues involved, the Department issued its "prior approval" to the siting and design of the mast on 4 May 1999.