Residents of Carragh Hill and Carragh Drive estates in Knocknacarra in Galway city have raised significant concerns regarding the construction of an 18 m telecommunications mast by Vantage Towers under a section 254 licence by Galway City Council. Construction commenced despite ongoing efforts by the community to challenge the licence and seek further information regarding the approval process. Residents state that many households became aware of the development only after contractors arrived on site and there was no engagement, notification or site notice, despite the fact that the tower would be 15 m from some residents. As I said, it is 18 m high. There appears to be a loophole under section 254 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, which is advertised by Government as a requirement for a licence for such items as vending machines, advertisement structures, cables, wires, pipelines, telephone poles, cabinets and kiosks. I do not believe an 18 m telecommunication structure or mast was ever envisaged under a section 254 licence. My colleague, Councillor Clodagh Higgins, has arranged a meeting with the CEO of Galway City Council on Friday morning. I ask the Taoiseach to engage with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to see that this loophole is closed.

Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, the Minister with responsibility for planning is specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular planning-related matter with which a planning authority or the board is or may be concerned. There is a legislative prohibition on a Minister intervening in any specific planning application or issue. In terms of the legislation more broadly and what the Deputy has identified as a potential loophole, I will refer this to the Minister, get the background to it and get the up-to-date position to validate what has been said in terms of the Deputy's presentation.