Permission given for 100m mast in Dungloe after planning appeal
An Bord Pleanála has given the go ahead, subjection to compliance with conditions, for the erection of a 100m meteorological mast on the outskirts of Dungloe
A decision by Donegal County Council to refuse permission for a 100m meteorological mast in Dungloe has been overturned.
Subject to compliance with conditions, An Bord Pleanála has granted permission for the construction of the mast at Meenlecknalore, 3km outside Dungloe town.
Edward Gallagher of Galetech Energy Services in Clondargan, Stradone, County Cavan appealed a decision of Donegal County Council, made on June 13, 2022.
The developer sought permission for the erection of a mast, with a maximum height of 100m for the purpose of measuring and recording meteorological data.
Planning documents provide for associate site development works and reinstatement works.
The operational lifetime of the proposed development is for up to five years.
An Bord Pleanála has decided that, subject to attached conditions, the development 'would not seriously injure the visual amenities of the area or the amenities of property in the vicinity'.
After five years, the mast is to be removed unless, prior to the end of the period, planning permission has been granted for retention for a further period.
If the mast becomes obsolete and is being decommissioned, the developer must, at their own expense, remove it and restore the site to its original condition.
A fixed red obstacle light is to be fitted as close to the top as possible to be visible from all angles with details to be agreed in advance with the planning authority, the Department of Defence and the Iris Aviation Authority.
The site of the development has to be reinstated upon removal of the mast.
The developer must also make a financial contribution; it is a requirement of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 that a condition requiring a contribution is attached.
Inspector Paul Caprani visited the site on September 19 last.
Donegal County Council, in its decision to refuse permission, had said the mast would be 'located within an area designated as being of high scenery and it would be an unwelcome intrusion on the receiving landscape'.
Three local landowners also objected on visual amenity grounds.
The inspector noted a commercial forestry and a 110kV power line on lands in the vicinity' and, in a written report, he said he did 'not concur with the local authority's planner that the mast would be located in an unspoilt area'.
He said the mast is a thin structure and would 'not be overbearing or prominent'.