To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, given that the most recent proposals were consulted on prior to 2016 and therefore do not reflect the latest technology, whether her officials will bring forward further proposals for updating permitted development rights for mobile connectivity.

As you are aware, I brought forward legislation in December 2020 revising permitted development rights for telecommunications development by electronic communications code operators. These amendments took account of recent changes in technology, industry feedback and the position in the other jurisdictions. As a result, the amendments went further than the 2016 consultation proposals. These amendments have been welcomed by the mobile industry and will assist the industry in rolling out mobile networks in Northern Ireland.

While my Department has no current plans for updating permitted development rights for telecommunications development, this is an area that my officials will keep under consideration as well as actively engaging with officials from DfE on the Mobile Action Plan Working Group.