Shannon Electricity Act, 1925

Protection of postal and telegraphic services.

17.—(1) Neither the Minister nor any contractor executing works for him under this Act shall by virtue of this Act acquire, enter on, remove, or otherwise interfere with any lands, premises, buildings, works, plant, materials, or other property of the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs or erect any works or do any other matter or thing which in the opinion of the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs would obstruct, delay, hinder, or otherwise injuriously affect the due execution of the public services of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs unless the Minister for Industry and Commerce after consultation with the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs—

(a) is of opinion that compliance with the foregoing provisions of this sub-section would be substantially detrimental to the undertaking or would materially hinder the construction of the works necessary therefor; and

(b) gives to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs six months notice (or such shorter notice as the said Minister shall accept) in writing, of the matters and things in respect of which it is intended not to comply with the said provisions of this sub-section.

(2) Whenever the Minister for Industry and Commerce gives to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs a notice under the foregoing sub-section of his intention not to comply with the provisions of that sub-section the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs may obtain such alternative facilities and accommodation and such materials, plant, apparatus, and things and do and execute all such works as in his opinion shall be necessary for the safeguarding of his property and the public services of his Department from injury or obstruction by reason of such non-compliance, and the Minister for Industry and Commerce shall pay to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs all expenses (whether a lump sum or a recurring charge) which the last-mentioned Minister shall certify to have been incurred by him in obtaining such facilities, accommodation, things and doing or executing such works.

(3) Whenever the Minister for Industry and Commerce or any contractor proposes to execute any works or do any act, matter, or thing under this Act which would or might interfere in any way with the property of the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs or the public services of his Department, the Minister for Industry and Commerce or the contractor (as the case may require) shall, not less than six months (or such shorter time as shall be consented to by the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs) before commencing to execute such works or do such act, matter, or thing, give to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs notice in writing of his intention to execute such works, or do such act, matter, or thing.