Permission sought for Boy Hill telecommunications tower

Ontower Ireland Limited has submitted a planning application to Cork County Council for the construction of a new 24 metre, multi-user, lattice type, communications support structure in Kilworth.

It is proposed that the communications support structure be developed a short distance from Kilworth Camp on Boy Hill, Knockanenabohilly.

The proposed structure would carry antenna and dishes, while the application also seeks permission for associated ground equipment cabinets, fencing and all associated site works.

According to the planning application, this development will form part of a planned upgrade and capacity improvement of Three communications network, while also providing space for future broadband providers in the area.

“Three Ireland are in the process of upgrading their networks so as to increase the capacity of existing sites and to increase geographic coverage for its customers,” the application reads.

The application continues to note the ‘additional infrastructure capacity’ required in the Kilworth area for mobile phone and broadband providers due to technology improvements requiring the delivery of high-speed data connections.

“More recently, there has been a steep increase in the use of mobile wireless networks and the electronic communications services in general as a result of people working from home in recent months,” the application continues.

This new tower, the application notes, will extend Three’s voice and data services over a wider coverage footprint and will also provide viable co-location space for planned future technology upgrades.