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Comment RSSSenator Mark Daly Calls For Seanad Mast Debate
September 24, 2009 # 9:14 pm # Irish Culture & Events # No CommentSenator Mark Daly called for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to explain to the Seanad the sitting of mobile telephone masts in Kerry and nationwide. He mentions the Annascaul ’stand-off’ in particular. Please see the following:
From The Seanad Debate 23 Sept 09:
Senator Mark Daly: 
“…Will the Leader invite the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to the House to discuss the siting of mobile telephone masts? A clause in Kerry County Council’s development plan, supported by all councillors, stipulates that masts should not be located close to schools or hospitals.However, notwithstanding the rejection by Kerry County Council of a planning application for the erection of a mast at Annascaul and the subsequent inspector’s report upholding that refusal, permission was ultimately granted by An Bord Pleanála. This has led to a stand-off, including a boycott by all Kerry concrete suppliers in an effort to prevent the base being erected. We must have a national policy in regard to the siting of mobile telephone masts. The European Environment Agency has advocated caution given the growing evidence of mobile telephones and masts causing a potential threat to human health.
I ask the Leader to facilitate a debate with the Minister which should include consideration of a nationwide provision similar to Kerry County Council’s 1 km rule in respect of the siting of all masts but bearing in mind the need to provide broadband.
I am sure the Cathaoirleach is delighted that the Kerry football team was victorious in last weekend’s All-Ireland final.”
(Thanks to Senator Daly for voicing concerns about this matter. We expect there will be more discussions around this topic in the Seanad and national media very soon).
Other Findings
We have also uncovered interesting findings regarding the positioning of masts in villages and towns, which is supposed to be the LAST resort when all other options are ruled out. More details on this shortly…
Meeting
There is a meeting in Annascaul Community Centre Friday 25th Sept at 9:30. Representatives from several political parties will be present as well as members of the media. Full details will be published afterwards.
