PLANNING permission has been refused for a 30-metre high telecommunications structure on Loop Head due to visual impact.
An application had been made by Vantage Towers Ltd for the mast with antannae, dishes and associated telecommunications equipment at Moyarta East, Carrigaholt.
The proposed site is 260 metres west of the R468 regional road and 1.56km from the R487 regional road, which is a designated scenic route to the north west.
The mast was to be sited in a locally elevated position in a relatively low landscape and views would be available towards the site from the south and south west on the local road network.
This last point especially mitigated against the granting of planning permission as the planner’s report stated, “Having regard to the locally elevated nature of the site, the open nature of the receiving landscape and the height of the structure as proposed, views would be available towards the tower from multiple vantage points to the north, south, east and west of the site.”
It found that the development should not be allowed to proceed. “It is considered that the proposed development by reason of its height and siting would form a prominent feature on the landscape which would seriously injure the visual amenities of the area and the wider Loop Head peninsula, would seriously injure the setting of the adjacent archaeological monuments, would contravene the provisions of the Development Plan including those objectives for ‘Settled Landscapes’ and ‘Scenic Routes’ and would thus be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”
There have been numerous complaints recently about the quality of mobile coverage on Loop Head, particularly that of Vodafone.
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.