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11 Dec 2025

Plans to boost broadband at Portlaoise hospital given green light

Permission sought for new telecommunications equipment on the rooftop

Portlaoise hospital

Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise

Reporter:

Express reporter

19 Aug 2025 7:33 PM

Plans to install new telecommunications equipment on the rooftop of Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise to improve broadband services for the area have been given the green light. 
Three Ireland (Hutchinson) Limited applied to Laois County Council for permission to "retain the existing rooftop support ballasts with three antennas and associated equipment as well as the proposed installation of telecommunications equipment including three additional antennas, amounting to 6 total no. Antennas on site, a dish, remote radio units (RRU’s), cable trays, GPS, gantry poles and all associated site development works on the rooftop of protected structure Portlaoise Hospital Administration Building (RPS 927) to continue to provide for high-speed wireless data and broadband services."
The planning documents accompanying the application state: "The current uptake of devices has put additional pressures on the network meaning existing base stations are undergoing significant upgrades in technology to meet this demand and so are critical in maintaining current and future service provision. The retention of this base station & installation of new technology (5G) will have  an immediate and positive impact on Three’s network provision in the wider area and bring next generation  services, such as IOT services, to our customers within Portlaoise Hospital and the surrounding area."
Given the application the go-ahead Council planners said: "the proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area, would not be prejudicial to public health, would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."
The application was granted with nine conditions attached. 

READ NEXT: BREAKING: Over 100 jobs to be lost in Laois as factory announces closure

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