Councilor Michelle Hall has expressed her disappointment that An Bord Pleanala has granted planning permission for a 21 metre high monopole telecommunications tower in the centre of Termonfeckin after she, the Termonfeckin Development Board, and many residents had lodged objections to the location of the mast.
Eircom Ltd, care of Towercom, Co. Kerry had been granted planning permission by Louth County Council but it was appealed by the Termonfeckin Development Board.
The proposed mast together with antennas, dishes and associated equipment will be located at the Eir Exchange substation on the Baltray Road.
“This mast will be a visual intrusion, as its proposed location is situated between three national monuments – Church of the Immaculate Conception, the Castle Tower and St. Feichin’s Church” Councillor Hall said.
“It will be also adjacent to the local primary school, Scoil Naomh Feichin and 25 metres from housing estates. At 21 metres with a flashing red light on top, it will visible at most points in the village.
“It should only have been given approval if it had been a last resort with no other suitable locations but this doesn’t seem to be the case” she continued.
“There were other potential sites nearby, with masts already on them, but they were discounted by Eircom. I am asking that Eircom reconsider their proposal and engage with local landowners who are willing to locate the mast on their land.
“I look forward to the rollout of fibre broadband which will be very beneficial for families and those working from home. It’s due to be installed in Termonfeckin from January-April 2022 according to the National Broadband website.
Anyone in Co. Louth can input their Eircode on www.nbi.ie to find out when broadband is planned to be rolled out in their area”, concluded Cllr Hall.
An Bord Pleanala, in making its decision took into account the Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures – Guideline for Planning Authorities (1996), Louth County Development Plan 2015-2021 and the nature, scale and location of the proposed telecommunication structure among other reasons and considerations.
