Longford's mast appeal!! Local communities vehemently opposed to mast plans

As Longford County Council planners approve another telecommunication structure, private individuals opposing the proliferation of masts across the county are becoming increasingly vocal.

In a little over a one year period masts have been either approved or progressed at a number of locations around the county including Lisnanagh, Edgeworthstown, Castlewilder, Abbeyshrule and Barrack Lane, Granard.

Last week Longford County Council planners granted planning permission for a 24m high lattice tower with antennas, dishes and associated telecommunications equipment at Ballinalee, Saint Johnstown, Longford.

Emerald Towers Limited were granted permission subject to eight conditions. The local authority received two submissions on the application; one from the Irish Aviation Authority and the other from the HSE.

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The planner's approval is subject to conditions including provisions for monitoring of electromagnetic energy and tree planting plans that incorporate the use of native deciduous and evergreen trees.

A recent mast approval by local authority planners for a mast at Abbeylara has drawn significant protest from local residents. Community members have lodged an objection to a 60ft 'street pole solution’, installed by Cignal Infrastructure Limited last January.

A similar structure earmarked for Ballinamuck has sparked concerns from local Padraig O'Toole.

Mr O'Toole contacted the Leader about the Cignal Infrastructure Limited plans: “There are similar plans [to Abbeylara] for the same structure on the new footpath as you head down to the village from Gaigue Cross.”

He says the location of the planned telecommunication structure is not in keeping with the area: “We recently had a celebration here in Ballinamuck to commemorate the Battle of Ballinamuck. The crowds were huge and we had Government Minister, Longford County Council officials and local councillors in attendance. Nobody seemed to notice this green cabinet,” he said.

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The cabinet precedes the erection of an 18m street pole solution with multi-operator antenna. Mr O'Toole was one of three locals who objected to An Bord Pleanála about the plans. The national planning body upheld the local authority's approval. In their report they said the “proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area”.

The objector was unhappy with the decision: “ABP didn't address the concerns we raised at all, it was basically a box ticking exercise and very disappointing.”

Mr O'Toole said the local authority should review the mast's location: “They say these masts are needed and they probably are, but they should be erected in centres of population namely the actual village of Ballinamuck where most people live and not on the newly installed footpath used by children going to and from school,” he concluded.

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