The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
CLARE County Council has given planning permission for the installation of a 36 metre high telecommunications mast at Inagh.
The lattice mast, carrying antennas and dishes, along with associated ground-based equipment, has been given the go ahead in the townland of Formoyle in Inagh.
The decision to grant planning came despite objections from some local residents.
One objection stated that local people are “seriously concerned in relation to its potential impact on our properties, and our health”.
“The proposed mast is also much higher than any of the high tension ESB pylons in the area and will be visually intrusive in the landscape.”
The objection added, “From a health point of view our main concern is in relation to the health effects of the high level of electromagnetic radiation which will come from such a mast carrying a large number of antennas and dishes.
“We also have concerns in relation to the impact of noise from the site, which is best described as a rural residential area, with the majority of the surrounding lands being farmed.”
Hibernian Cellular Limited which sought permission for the works said the site location would resolve poor telecoms and broadband coverage in the area.
The application said, “The site location has been chosen to provide the optimum tower location to provide telecoms and broadband coverage and connectivity in the area. Local topography has been taken into account.”
The company’s application also said, “It is imperative for Clare businesses and residents to receive improved broadband connectivity immediately and with the grant of planning permission for the proposed structure the area will benefit from increased broadband in the area” the application stated.
“The structure will also be made available for use as part of the National Broadband Plan for the last mile hop to households and businesses in the area which is proposed in many rural areas,” it added.
Despite the concerns raised by objectors, the County Council opted to grant planning.
Owen Ryan
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked for a number of other regional titles in Limerick, Galway and Cork.
