Residents lodge ABP appeal against 18m communications pole

Westmeath County Council's decision to grant planning permission for an 18m telecommunications monopole in Ballynacargy has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala.

The appeal has been lodged by residents of Ballintue, who are opposed to Eircom's plans to erect the monopole on a site at Deerpark. The semi-state body's planning application was given the green light by the council last month despite receiving almost 20 objections from local residents and Deputy Sorca Clarke.

A number of objectors claimed that the monopole would be a "visual obtrusion", while others raised concerns about the impact that electromagnetic frequencies emanating from the antennas and dish on the pole would have on residents living nearby, as well as birds and trees.

Concerns were also raised about the impact that the proposed development would have on property prices.

A number of objectors also noted that there is "local evidence" that there is a cave system under Deerpark and that the development "could cause irreversible and detrimental damage" to it.

Objectors also questioned whether, with the advances in 5G and the roll out of the National Broadband Plan, another telecommunications pole is needed in the Ballynacargy area.

Deputy Sorca Clarke in her submission said that while she is "supportive of developments to improve communication capacity in rural Ireland", according to the National Broadband Plan website fibre optic broadband is "operational in the area with 100 per cent coverage".

She also said that the proximity of the development to houses will have a negative impact on residents' "views and enjoyment of their properties" and that the "absence of consultation and engagement is deeply disappointing".

"It shows a lack of appreciation of the impact an installation of this sort and size will have on existing residents."

An Bord Pleanala is scheduled to make a decision by March 30.