Removal of Cratloe mast could prompt mobile coverage difficulties, claims BT

THE number of dropped and blocked calls along the Ennis to Limerick dual carriageway near Cratloe will increase if ESB is forced to remove a communications structure.
That’s according to BT Communications Ireland Limited, which is supporting an appeal lodged by ESB Telecoms urging An Bord Pleanála to overturn Clare County Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the retention of an existing authorised development.
Acting on behalf of the statutory undertaker, Hutchinson 3G Ireland Limited, BT pointed out equipment located on the ESB structure provides high levels of indoor coverage to the village of Cratloe, the townlands of Brickhill West, Ballymorris, Portdrine and surrounding area, the dual carriageway, a regional road and a number of third class roads.
“If Three were to lose this site, there would be a number of dropped/ blocked calls along this section of the N18 dual carriageway and the significant  number of customers in Cratloe and surrounding area who use the data service would suffer a considerable drop in the quality and speed of information reception,” BT stated.
BT also provided the appeals’ board with a map detailing the poor coverage levels that would occur if this site did not exist.
In a submission, ESB Telecoms planning consultant Helen Cherry, pointed out the existing development has been in place for 10 years and forms a vital part of the telecommunications infrastructure in Cratloe and the surrounding area.
Should planning permission be refused, Ms Cherry warned alternative base stations would be required within the immediate vicinity to maintain existing services in the area.
In 2000, the council granted planning permission for the erection of a telecommunications structure at ESB’s Cratloe substation, which was 68m away from the nearest existing residential house.
Six years later, the council refused planning permission for the retention of the existing facilities because of its proximity to residential development. However, this was overturned on appeal by An Bord Pleanála.
The council refused the latest application for retention because of its objective in the County Development Plan to restrict the development of telecommunication masts within 250m of residential houses.
Ms Cherry argued the existing development should not be assessed against a policy, which the development plan outlines is in place to assess new telecommunications developments.
While the structure has a height of just 20m, it is shared by four operators, Vodafone, Meteor, O2 and 3 Ireland.
“This infrastructure is vital in maintaining and enhancing economic competitiveness and enabling more flexible work practices. There were no submissions from the local community concerning the retention of this development.
“This indicates that the telecommunications infrastructure is an accepted item in the local landscape and it doesn’t have an impact on the amenity afforded to the area,” she claimed.