'Eyesore' mast set for removal in Laois scarecrow town
A new type of mobile phone mast erected in Durrow nearly five years ago is set to be removed according to the local development committee which has welcomed the decision by the company involved.
Durrow Development Forum says they are pleased to confirm that the mast is on the way out.
"Cignal (Cellnex) have delivered on their commitment to remove the mast installed in March 2019. This was the result of several constructive meetings between DDF and Cignal regarding the visual impact at the Barnhill/Kilkenny Road location," the said.
The DDF explained why they are satisfied it is going.
"Structurally it was an eyesore on a gateway into our village which has been working over the past number of years to preserve and enhance Durrow as a Heritage and Tourism destination. DDF are delighted that Cignal (Cellnex) have taken the feedback of the community and the mast has now been removed," they said.
The mast was one of 10 erected in Laois by Cignal, an independent provider of communications infrastructure that leases spaces on the towers to mobile and broadband industries.
Cignal bought 300 existing communications masts from Coillte, and planned a €25 million investment to construct 300 more, mainly in rural areas, to improve signal coverage for mobile phones and broadband in Ireland.
The company said in 2019 that the tower was fully compliant with planning regulations and was important infrastructure that will allow mobile phone and broadband operators offer improved connectivity to Durrow residents.
While it said the response received in other Laois locations was overwhelmingly positive, they would work to address the concerns raised in Durrow.