Concern over eircom plan to erect 60ft mast in Fethard-on-Sea
SUBMISSIONS have been made to Eircom calling on the company not to erect a 60ft mast at a prominent location as people arrive into Fethard-on-Sea.
Eircom Ltd is planning to erect the mast at the current Eircom exchange on the road leading out of the village towards Poulfur.
A group of concerned local residents, joined by Independent TD Verona Murphy, have voiced their concerns about the impact the planned mast will have on the appearance of the holiday village.
Deputy Murphy said she is seeking engagement with Eircom to find an alternative site, adding that while everyone accepts that improved broadband and phone signals are vitally important for the area, they should not be delivered at the expense of the community.
Group members highlighted other reasons, including the proximity of houses nearby and the likelihood that additional equipment will be erected on the mast.
Fethard Community Development Association chairman Richard Finn said at least two submissions were made to Eircom ahead of the deadline. Mr Finn said the company did not consult with local residents, a point raised by New Ross Municipal District cathaoirleach, Cllr Michael Whelan at the body’s recent meeting, at which he said Eircom included a notice in a national newspaper about the mast, but not a local newspaper.
Mr Finn said: ‘I have been contacted by a number of people who were concerned about the location of the mast because it’s planned for the main road coming into the village, around 200 yards from the bend where the housing estate is.’
He said: ‘The view of Fethard Community Development Association is that we need an improved service in the area. The phone signal is very bad. The mast is needed but not in that location. It’s inappropriate as this is a holiday village and it would create an industrial look.’
It is anticipated that several different dishes will be attached to the mast to serve various telecommunication company providers.
‘The first anyone knew about this was when a notice was put up on it. If Eircom followed the model of Greenlink when they were looking at an interconnector for the area, they had consultation meetings. I think Eircom could have done the same and not come in by stealth. There are other Eircom masts in the area, including one close to Dungulph Castle.’
He said there are residents near the Eircom exchange who are concerned about electromagnetic contamination and the possibility of 5G health issues has also been raised, if the mast is used for that at a future date.