Watergrasshill mast application goes to An Bord Pleanála

Vodafone Ireland Ltd has submitted an application to An Bord Pleanála to erect a mast at the Eir exchange in Tinageragh, Watergrasshill.

The application seeks to erect a 20m lattice mast together with antennas, dishes and associated telecommunications equipment, all enclosed in security fencing along with permission to replace the existing 15m lattice mast.

The original application made to Cork County Council noted that the greater Watergrasshill area is known for weak coverage on the Vodafone network and ‘indeed for all mobile telephone operators’.

It went on the highlight that the original mast is ‘structurally weak and too small to allow the effective and thorough rollout of Vodafone services locally’ and to ‘allow site sharing with other mobile telecoms operators to enable the rollout and upgrade of their facilities locally’.

“The existing lattice structure is weak. It was built to accommodate Vodafone’s then requirements only. At the time of the build, it was not foreseen that technologies would develop from 2G, 3G, 4G etc. The development in technologies require additional antennas and supporting equipment,” the application reads.

CCC REFUSAL

Originally submitted to Cork County Council, the application was refused in early January 2021, which now sees the proposed development before An Bord Pleanála.

Reasons for refusal at the time included that the development site is located within the settlement boundary of Watergrasshill and adjacent to established residential properties.

“The Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures Guidelines for Planning Authorities state that only as a last resort should freestanding masts be located on or in the immediate surrounds of villages.

“The guidelines also state that only as a last resort and if alternatives are either unavailable or unsuitable, should free-standing masts be located in a residential area,” the Final Schedule read, going on to note that the applicant had not provided ‘sufficient justification’ for the development site location.

The second reason for refusal stated that the applicant ‘failed to demonstrate’ that the proposed mast will not have a detrimental impact on the adjoining residential properties.

A decision on the development is due to be decided by An Bord Pleanála by June 8, 2021.

Initial findings from a survey of Leaving Certificate students confirm that Covid-19 has had a negative impact on their mental health, while increased competition for 3rd level places in 2021 is causing the most worry. More than half of the students, according to the survey undertaken by the Kerry Mental Health Association, said they would not know where to go if they, or someone they know, needed help from professional mental health services right away. Pictured in Tralee’s Town Park highlighting the issue, were Elizabeth O’Connor, PRO Irish Second Level Students Union and Julia Szarota, Tralee Leaving Cert student. 50808 is a free text service, providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis. Crisis Volunteers are available 24/7 for anonymous, supportive text conversations. Simply text TALK to 50808.