Duo to raise issue with Commission for Communications Regulator

Deputy Ged Nash and Cllr. Michelle Hall have expressed their disappointment and anger at the commencement of a 22.5m high telecommunication mast in Termonfeckin which had been appealed to An Bord Pleanala in 2022.

The site was cleared two weeks ago and trucks delivered the infrastructure for the mast this morning, Thursday 16^th November.

Termonfeckin Development Board had appealed a Louth County Council planning permission for the mast to An Bord Pleanala in 2022 but were unsuccessful in their appeal.

Deputy Nash and Cllr Hall had discussions with Towercom representatives to convey the merits of the appeal personally, citing how unsuitable the location is for a large telecom mast and contravened national policy: The Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures – Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 1996.

The local representatives also said they had provided the company with a number of alternative sites where landowners in the wider area were prepared to accommodate this infrastructure where it would be less intrusive, and where the visual impact would be less problematic.

“In addition, we were given reassurance that Towercom hadn’t set a date for commencement of the infrastructure and when it would, there would have been further consultation with us on behalf of the community. Instead, they decided to plough on regardless. This is completely unacceptable to us.

“The site for this extremely high mast is not only between protected structures of two churches in Termonfeckin but it is in close proximity to Ballywater river, housing, a national school and the proposed new playground. It will have a detrimental effect on the broader development and a permanent visual appearance to the village.

“We are extremely disappointed and frustrated that there was no further engagement. Instead, trucks rolled in this morning, blocked footpaths and no notice was given to locals. This is no way to do business.

“Deputy Nash and I will be raising all of this with the Commission for Communications Regulator immediately,” commented Cllr Hall.