Telecom mast in Leitrim to proceed despite concerns

A new telecom mast in Cloone is set to proceed despite an appeal submitted by concerned residents to An Bord Pleanála.

The site for the mast is located on an agricultural field approximately two kilometres southeast of Cloone village. The proposed development by Vantage Towers Ltd includes the construction of an 18 metre high lattice tower with antennas, dishes and associated telecommunications equipment, all enclosed by security fencing.

According to an inspectors report carried out by An Bord Pleanála in August of this year, the applicant provided details of existing and proposed 2G coverage in the area as unsolicited additional information.

Leitrim County Council granted planning permission for the telecom mast with seven conditions earlier this year.

These include the requirement for the tower to be demolished and the site to be re-instated at the operators expense when the structure is no longer needed.

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The applicant is also developer is also responsible for managing surface water at the site, ensuring no surface water from the access road flows onto the public road and ensuring the development doesn’t interfere with existing land or road drainage.

Concerns were raised about the masts visual impact on Cloone village, and requested further justification for the proposal. 

However, An Bord Pleanála’s report concluded that “the proposed development would not seriously injure the visual and residential amenities of the area.”

The report also emphasised that the mast would “support the delivery of high-capacity Information Communications Technology Infrastructure, broadband connectivity and digital broadcasting throughout the county, ensuring economic competitiveness and enabling more flexible work practices.”

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