Multiple objections to Quin mast

Controversial proposed telecommunications installation attracts negative submissions from groups and individuals

PLANS for a new telecommunications mast in Quin village have generated considerable local opposition, on the grounds of the size, location and potential health and environmental impact of the proposed 24-metre structure.
As the public consultation period drew to a close last Monday, at least eight submissions had been received. A number of these are group objections, containing petitions signed by several residents of the village.
Among the objectors are the Quin Heritage Group, who describe their village as “a microcosm of past history”.
“Bridges, abbeys, 13th century churches and about a dozen Big Houses, dating to the 18th and 19th centuries lie around,” the group’s objection outlines.
The organisation describes the proposed mast as “intrusive” and “incongruous”. “While we have no objection to progress,” the group says, “Quin is not the place for this structure.”
Another objection, signed by some residents of Dún na Mánach and Manor View, raises questions over the site selection process and describe the application as “generic” and not tailored to the character of Quin.
A four-point objection, with a petition from residents of Manor View, Arbutus Grove and Quin Gardens, also raises concerns over the site selection process.
It also flags concerns about the visual impact of the proposed mast and the potential long-term impact on public health.
A detailed eight-point submission from the residents of Quin House contends that there is no requirement for the new mast as 4G coverage is widely available.
It also notes that while the developers state that the mast site is not within the local Architectural Conservation Area (ACA), it is on the boundary.
They describe the plans as “not reflective or proportionate to the existing ACA area that it will encroach upon”, and also outline the potentially negative impact on their home.
The mast application was made, at the end of September, for a permanent lattice structure with antennas and dishes at a site in Quinville South. Developers, Vantage Towers, have outlined how the structure would be used by operators including Vodafone to boost 3G, 4G and 5G coverage in the area.
They have told planners the facility will boost the potential for remote working and the revitalisation of rural Clare and said an “adverse impact” could result if permission is refused. 
Along with its application, Vantage Towers has submitted a letter of support from Vodafone, stating that it wishes to “provide improved mobile and wireless broadband coverage to the village of Quin”.
Data from ComReg is also submitted to show “a clear deficiency in basic 4G coverage in Quin”.
The application details how Vodafone considered and rejected four other potential sites, including three from which it already transmits.
One of these is at Dromoland Castle Hotel, from which Eir, Vodafone and Three transmit from a rooftop at the site. The location was considered to be “too far distant (c.4.7km) and too low to meet coverage requirements in Quin”.
The water tower, at 15m, was also considered “too low to meet Vodafone coverage requirements in Quin” and “unable to accommodate additional antennae”. 
With regard to the visual impact of the mast, the application notes that this is one of the most important considerations and acknowledges that “there will be some visual impact”.
The plan also states that “by locating adjacent to the tallest existing structure in the village [the water tower], the visual impact of the proposed structure is mitigated”. 
The developers submit that the mast is in line with the provisions of the current and draft county development plans, the National Planning Framework (NPF), the National Broadband Plan, and the Rural Development Policy 2021-2025.
The developers have also warned that “failure to provide these services will have an adverse impact on the local area and its economy for both Vodafone and other operators wishing to take occupation in the future”. 
Clare County Council is currently considering the application and the submissions. Planners have given November 22 as an indicative date for a decision on the application.