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11/04/2002
Tougher legislation for mobile phone masts introduced
Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt has announced that he is to introduce planning controls on mobile phone masts that will be stricter than any other region of the British Isles.
Previously, only masts over 15 metres needed full planning permission, however all applications for masts, irrespective of their size, will now need full planning permission from the end of May 2002 – subject to scrutiny of the assembly.
Mr Nesbitt has also published a policy on telecommunication masts – Planning Policy Statement 10 (PPS 10) – which seeks to balance the need for a modern communications system with sensitive design and sitting.
Commenting on his decision, Mr Nesbitt said: “A modern communications system brings massive benefits to people and businesses alike. People in Northern Ireland have come to enjoy the convenience and accessibility mobile phones provide, and their many benefits. None of this could have happened without the masts and other infrastructure, which enable the service to be delivered across Northern Ireland.
“It is vital that masts are designed and sited sensitively so that their environmental impact is kept to a minimum. People in local communities must have a better opportunity to have their say on proposals for mast development, particularly given public concern about the possible health effects associated with mobile phone technology."
However, according to Sinn Fein's environment spokesperson, Mick Murphy, the new phone mast rules are unlikely to dispel the current fears about safety or community protection. He said: "It is an important step that all new phone masts, regardless of size, will need full planning permission. My concern is, however, that with domestic amenity and land form as the only two criteria that must be taken into consideration, Dermot Nesbitt has failed to develop an approach that will protect communities. This criteria will not protect people's health and safety."
The telephone industry watchdog, Oftel, has also criticised the proposals and said Northern Ireland's telecommunications infrastructure is in danger of falling behind the rest of Europe. (MB)
Previously, only masts over 15 metres needed full planning permission, however all applications for masts, irrespective of their size, will now need full planning permission from the end of May 2002 – subject to scrutiny of the assembly.
Mr Nesbitt has also published a policy on telecommunication masts – Planning Policy Statement 10 (PPS 10) – which seeks to balance the need for a modern communications system with sensitive design and sitting.
Commenting on his decision, Mr Nesbitt said: “A modern communications system brings massive benefits to people and businesses alike. People in Northern Ireland have come to enjoy the convenience and accessibility mobile phones provide, and their many benefits. None of this could have happened without the masts and other infrastructure, which enable the service to be delivered across Northern Ireland.
“It is vital that masts are designed and sited sensitively so that their environmental impact is kept to a minimum. People in local communities must have a better opportunity to have their say on proposals for mast development, particularly given public concern about the possible health effects associated with mobile phone technology."
However, according to Sinn Fein's environment spokesperson, Mick Murphy, the new phone mast rules are unlikely to dispel the current fears about safety or community protection. He said: "It is an important step that all new phone masts, regardless of size, will need full planning permission. My concern is, however, that with domestic amenity and land form as the only two criteria that must be taken into consideration, Dermot Nesbitt has failed to develop an approach that will protect communities. This criteria will not protect people's health and safety."
The telephone industry watchdog, Oftel, has also criticised the proposals and said Northern Ireland's telecommunications infrastructure is in danger of falling behind the rest of Europe. (MB)
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23 April 2002
Mobile phone masts plans inadequate say MLA's
South Down Assembly member Eamonn O'Neill has claimed that the impending legislation governing the planning permission of mobile phone masts does not go far enough. Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt recently announced that he was to introduce planning controls on mobile phone masts that will be stricter than any other region of the British Isles.
Mobile phone masts plans inadequate say MLA's
South Down Assembly member Eamonn O'Neill has claimed that the impending legislation governing the planning permission of mobile phone masts does not go far enough. Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt recently announced that he was to introduce planning controls on mobile phone masts that will be stricter than any other region of the British Isles.
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18 February 2003
Enniskillen has lowest mobile mast emissions in UK
Mobile phone masts readings in Enniskillen have been found to be the lowest in UK, according to a government survey. The government study examined mobile phone masts on 109 sites across the UK, looking at 82 schools sites and 27 hospitals.
Enniskillen has lowest mobile mast emissions in UK
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20 December 2002
Survey reveals dependence on mobile phones
A new survey has revealed that less than one-in-five mobile phone users can easily recall the numbers stored on their handset from memory. The ICM nationwide survey of 1000 adults found that 84% of mobile phone users could recall less than half of the contact numbers stored on their phone, with 38% being unable to recall any numbers from memory.
Survey reveals dependence on mobile phones
A new survey has revealed that less than one-in-five mobile phone users can easily recall the numbers stored on their handset from memory. The ICM nationwide survey of 1000 adults found that 84% of mobile phone users could recall less than half of the contact numbers stored on their phone, with 38% being unable to recall any numbers from memory.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
