CONTROVERSIAL plans to replace an existing telecoms mast in Scariff with a much higher structure have resurfaced, now that the developers have lodged an appeal. 

While the Council rejected permission for a 21m structure in the town, Eir have now told An Bord Pleanála they are willing to reduce the height of the mast to 18m, if necessary.

Making the offer to reduce the height, the appeal document warns that refusal “will reduce the quality of service to the wider area” and “result in a reduction for other digital coverage providers to gain representation on it”. 

In documents submitted by agents Towercom, Eircom Ltd, trading as Eir, acknowledges the Council’s refusal of planning permission on the grounds of mast’s visual impact on the town and a scenic East Clare route. However, the appellant “respectfully disagrees” with the local authority’s rationale. 

Documents submitted to An Bord Pleanála describe the proposed new mast, at the Eir exchanfe at the Connacht Road, as “essentially an upgrade on the existing [one]”.

They argue that the mast must be close to the source of demand for services, particularly 5G and that the investment required to provide the structure “is substantial and it not entered into lightly”. They warn that with operators preparing to turn off 3G in 2023 and 2024, coverage in Scariff will be negatively affected. 

In addition, the appeal refers to Tetra Ireland, the Irish company that operates the National Digital Radio Service (NDRS). It says the NDRS is government mandated to meet the coverage needs of “security, fire and safety, health, government and public service agencies”. It also highlights the zoning of the site as for ‘Utilities’. 

There is further confirmation that an existing 10m wooden pole, at the exchange, would be removed from the site, if and when the new mast is installed. The appeal also argues that the new mast would be in line with government guidelines on telecoms infrastructure and that the visual impact would be mitigated by the colour of the mast and natural screening. 

The appeal also acknowledges the objections to the mast. Considerable local alarm was expressed when the plans were originally submitted to Clare County Council last year.  Among the objections on the planning file was a 14-page objection from a group called ‘East Clare Community Residents’. In addition to Scariff and Tuamgraney, addresses of signatories are located across East Clare, including Mountshannon, Flagmount, Feakle and Bodyke.

Ten individual objections were lodged by people living close to the exchange. They told planners the development would impact negatively on them, in terms of their enjoyment of their homes and gardens. They also said that the structure will overshadow their family homes, and that they have concerns about the development being located in the centre of a residential area.

Deputy Michael McNamara, had also made a representation on Eir’s application, urging planners to address the concerns of the public to ensure those concerns are addressed in the planning process. 

In the appeal document, Towercom express the view that they have allayed many local concerns. The appellant also rejects claims that properties will be devalued and states that “where there isn’t the benefit of coverage and data services a negative impact can arise”. The company also states that the mast, “any any future equipment”, would be fully compliant with Health and Safety guidelines. 

An Bord Pleanála is considering the appeal and has given February 7, 2023, as an indicative decision date.