Permission refused for 30-metre telecom tower near Leitrim monument
The tower was aimed at improving connection for the surrounding towns
Leitrim County Council has refused planning permission for a telecommunications mast outside Carrick-on-Shannon.
The mast, which was set to reach 30 metres, would have been located in Gowel, Kiltoghert, on the north side of Carrick-on-Shannon.
The proposed development would have included a 30-metre-high lattice telecommunications tower and support structure.
That would be coupled with an antenna, the requisite dishes, associated telecommunications equipment and ground-based cabinets.
The structure would all be enclosed by security fencing and would extend the existing farm access track that currently exists on the site.
The goal of the development, by Vantage Towers Limited, was aimed at meeting Vodafone requirements and “enhancing the quality of services in the rural area between Carrick-on-Shannon and Leitrim Village, including the townlands of Kiltoghert, Mong, Farnagh, Fahymore and sections of the R209 and R280 regional roads.“
The County Council was warned that the groundworks are “close to an area of archaeological potential around Recorded Monument LE027-089---- (Ringfort – cashel) which is subject to statutory protection under the terms of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994. “
In their notification of decision, Leitrim County Council has said “unacceptable adverse impact on both the visual amenity and archaeological landscape of the area.“
It continued: “The proposed development is located on a prominent elevated site within an Area of High Visual Amenity and in proximity to a number of Recorded Monuments.”
“By reason of its height, scale, siting and visually intrusive appearance, the proposed 30-metre telecommunications structure would constitute a dominant and intrusive feature within this sensitive landscape.”
“The development would adversely affect the character and visual quality of the Area of High Visual Amenity and would detract from the setting, appreciation and cultural heritage significance of nearby Recorded Monuments.”
“The proposed development would therefore be contrary to Policies LD POL 2, LD POL 3 and LD POL 5 and Objective ARCH OBJ 2 of the Leitrim County Development Plan 2023-2029 and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”