Retention sought for Ballyhooly telecommunications infrastructure

Ontower Ireland Limited has applied to Cork County Council for planning permission for the retention of an existing telecommunications support structure in Gurteen, Ballyhooly.

The application also seeks retention permission for the associated ground equipment cabinets within a fenced compound and access track at the same site.

According to the application, the site forms part of Three Ireland (Hutchinson) Limited’s operations, as well as providing space for local broadband and other telecommunications providers.

The site of the development forms part of the Coillte forestry plantation in Gurteen, with the existing 30m high telecommunications structure on-site carrying antenna and link dishes within a palisade fenced compound.

“Ontower consider this site as essential to its telecommunications operations in Ireland and so it is vital that the site has a permanent planning permission in place to guarantee future investment in telecommunications infrastructure,” the application reads.

First installed in 2006 as part of telecommunications infrastructure rollout by O2 Communications, subsequent permission for its retention was submitted in 2011.

“Ontower Ireland Limited will continue to maintain and operate the site into the future but also to further develop the site by providing space to future mobile and wireless broadband providers,” the application reads.