Planning submitted for ‘time-warped’ Donegal island in National Broadband Plan

Planning permission is being sought to connect Owey Island to the National Broadband Ireland (NBI) National Fibre Network as part of the “largest telecommunications project ever undertaken by the Irish State.”

Owey Island has been described as a “time-warped island” by the BBC and is overlooked by Cruit Island and the Cruit Island Golf Club. It was abandoned by residents during the 1970s, however, it has grown in popularity in recent years among tourists during the summer season.

The NBI Infrastructure Designated Activity Company has applied to Donegal County Council for the installation on Owey Island of an electronic communications structure comprising a 12-metre-high timber pole supporting one radio-link dish, together with a 1.2m high wooden post and rail fence with access gate, six solar panels mounted on frames, fibre chambers, and all associated ancillary development works.

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In the application, it was said that the development was “required to carry the broadband data from the new high-speed fibre broadband network on the island to the mainland by radio link, to connect the NBI National Fibre Network, as part of the Government’s National Broadband Plan to provide high-speed broadband to a all parts of the country that are not available commercially, including the islands, at the same data speed.”

National Broadband Ireland said that their plan is completed nationally, “residents and businesses in the rollout area will be able to connect to a modern, reliable broadband network capable of supporting the communications, information, education, and entertainment needs of current and future generations.”

Donegal County Council has set a decision due date for the application on December 8.