O’Dowd and Murphy meet mobile network industry

Speaking after the meeting, John O’Dowd said: “Modern and efficient telecommunications including high-quality mobile coverage is an everyday requirement for our population and our visitors.

"Our planning system plays a crucial role in supporting the delivery of that infrastructure. In the last three years local councils have approved 165 planning applications for telecoms development which shows that the system is working to support appropriate proposals.

"I assured the industry that my Department will continue to engage with local councils and other stakeholders to improve the planning system so that new telecommunications infrastructure, such as masts, antennas and associated equipment can be developed in a way which continues to provide world class telecommunications services across the north, while at the same time minimising the amenity and environmental impact of new or replacement equipment.”

Economy Minister Conor Murphy said: “Connectivity is a key enabler to underpinning economic development and prosperity. Having excellent mobile connectivity therefore aligns strongly with the aims of my economic plan.

“My department led in the development of the cross sectorial Mobile Action Plan which aims to remove barriers to mobile communications roll out and provide a landscape which will encourage mobile communication providers to commit to investing and providing high class services.

“My officials will continue to liaise and collaborate with mobile communications representatives within the areas of my responsibility, to ensure that we can achieve our mutual ambitions of having world class mobile communications throughout all areas of the north.”