BIG READ: An Bord Pleanála overturn Tipperary council refusal for ‘eyesore’ in Gortnahoe village

An Bord Pleanála has overturned a decision by Tipperary County Council to refuse planning permission for a telecommunication mast in Gortnahoe.

Eircom submitted the proposal in 2021, which was objected to by local groups and individuals.

An Bord Pleanála said in the decision letter:

“It is considered that, subject to compliance with the conditions set out below, the proposed development would not seriously injure the visual or residential amenities of the village. The proposed development would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

THE DEVELOPMENT

According to the planning documents available through the Tipperary County Council e-planning portal, the development is described as consisting of:

“The construction of an 18 metre high, free-standing communication structure with its associated antennae, communication dishes, ground equipment and all associated site development works at Eircom Exchange, Kilcooley Way, Gortnahoe, Thurles, county Tipperary.”

Eircom said the mast will provide high-speed broadband and call service to the area.

Should the application be refused, the company said the area would lose essential services.

In evidence, the utility company cited various reports and plans, including a 2013 report by the Association for Community and Comprehensive Schools, The National Broadband Plan, the National Spatial Strategy for Ireland 2002-2020 and the Tipperary County Development Plan.

In their submission, Eircom claimed no suitable alternative site was available for the development.

Additionally, it is their opinion the mast is not visually obstructive, and property values increase where network services are strong.

The application made no mention of the masts proximity to community amenities.

However, a subsequent submission (further information) stated:

“Telecommunication installations are often sited in close proximity to residential development and are commonplace in most areas of Ireland. This position is consistent with An Bord Pleanála decision reference ABP-307962-20.”

OBJECTIONS

In more than 100 objections, the Gortnahoe community voiced their opposition to the development.

Concerns ranged from the visual impact to claims of potential health and safety risks.

Some residents were concerned the structure might fall.

And with its close proximity to community amenities, this has the potential to cause serious injury and property damage.

Others claimed health concerns, with one objection specifically saying the mast would cause cancer.

Some people felt the mast would devalue their homes while others thought it would detract from the natural and built heritage of the area.

Residents were concerned about the traffic implications of both the building and maintenance of the mast.
Some residents said Eir vans already obstruct the road and feel added development would only exacerbate the issue.

Several people called the structure an “eyesore” and one person a “metal monster”.

In their submission, the Gortnahoe Tidy Towns said:

“The aesthetics and charm of the village should not be further compromised with this new proposal.
“The development would adversely impact the visual amenity of the village.”

Many of the objections cited the proposed structures proximity to the sports fields, playground and schools.

Gortnahoe National School said they were concerned about the health and safety risk of the development so close to children’s services, saying:

“I would also question the safety of such a structure so close to residential developments, as I know the lengths children will go to for adventure, and no amount of fencing will deter children.”

The Gortnahoe/Glengoole Camogie Club echoed the school’s concerns saying on their very young members:

“There is no guarantee the mast will not cause serious injury or worse to the children of our club.

“Many of these children do not have the cognitive development to understand the dangers surrounding the mast, such as the volts of electricity that will be coming from this monstrosity.

“There is a huge risk of one of the children wandering into the site due to its close proximity as children are curious and do not consider nor understand danger or to go in and get a sliotar that has found its way in there.”

Many of the objectors stated they had no issue with telecommunications infrastructure being built in the area, just not in the heart of the village. They asked that the proposed development be moved to a more appropriate site.

Gortnahoe Glengoole GAA Club stated in their objection: “Eir should have no problem attaining an alternative site with no houses or in close proximity to our facilities.”

REJECTION

It would seem that Tipperary County Council agreed with the local objections.

Initially, the council requested additional information.

However, following receipt of the requested documents, Tipperary County Council refused planning permission.

The local authority cited the structures location in the village which, they said would:

“Negatively impact on the visual amenities and character of the settlement.”

They said such structures should only be located in residential areas as a last resort.

Tipperary County Council said they were not satisfied that other site options had been explored.

AN BORD Pleanála

At the end of January, and following an appeal by Eircom, An Bord Pleanála decided to allow planning permission for the structure with conditions.

According to the decision letter available on the An Bord Pleanála website, the conditions included agreeing a colour scheme with the planning authority, that no advertisement be erected on the structure, and the company will allow other licenced operators to use the structure.

Additionally and of particular interest was the planting of trees on the western end of the property to “protect” residential amenities.

Site works are only to be carried out between 8am and 6pm on weekdays and 8am and 2pm on Saturdays.

Work is not allowed on Sundays or public holidays.

Works are not to be carried out outside these times except in exceptional circumstances.

If the structure were to become obsolete, Eircom would be responsible for removing the equipment.

FACT CHECK: Masts and cancer

It is important to note that according to the Irish Cancer Society, on balance of evidence there is no support for the claim telecommunication masts cause cancer.

In a 2019 article, they say, there is some very limited evidence of an increase in some cancers in male rats, but animal studies cannot be applied to humans.

They also said the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) consider radio frequency electromagnetic fields a possible carcinogen, but this by no means they cause cancer.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the IARC classification is 2B which means evidence is limited and more studies are needed. Other possible carcinogens in this category include aloe vera, dry-cleaning agents and pickled food.

Additionally the Irish Cancer Society says there is no known “fundamental biophysical or biochemical mechanism” that would change cells to cause cancer.

They conclude: “While there are lots of other issues we might worry about with new technology, cancer isn’t one of them.

“Cables and masts can be an eyesore, our overuse of phone technology can contribute to other societal issues, but when it comes to cancer, we might better focus our efforts on the real challenges in our community.”

The Irish Cancer Society has a series of articles available on their website debunking this myth.