This article is from page 40 of the 2006-07-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 40 JPG
RESIDENTS in the Moveen area of west Clare have called on Eircom to remove a telecommunications mast they consider illegal.
But, Eircom has warned that the removal of the mast would leave the area without Eircom or Vodafone coverage for a substantial period of time.
In a submission to the council, Eircom states that “the time required to find a further three suitable sites together with obtaining planning permission for masts of these sites will give rise to a prolonged service interruption or downgrade if the Moveen installation has to be removed.”
Last year, Eircom lodged plans with Clare County Council to retain the structure, near Kilkee, after planning permission for it expired on in May 2004.
The lodging of plans to retain the structure provoked widespread local opposition.
In the objection lodged on behalf of the Moveen East Protest Group, its chairman, Shay Hynes said the mast was an illegal structure, “which should be removed without further delay”.
“The existing mast doesn’t have planning permission and should have been removed since May 2004 in accordance with the original planning permission. Eircom Ltd has blatantly ignored the requirements of the original planning permission, has changed the use of the mast without permission, increased RF radiation emissions to unknown levels and ignored the enforcement order issued by the council.”
Mr Hynes said that the mast was in breach of existing guidelines “because of its proximity to dwellings with six homes within 300 metres of the mast”.
Sixteen other objections from local individuals and families have also been lodged against the proposal.
However, in its response, Eircom has stated that “locating the structure on a less elevated site would necessitate either much higher masts at other locations and or the location of further intermediary masts to relay the radio signal along the signal route. Furthermore, the size and construction of the mast as existing is what is required to carry the dishes necessary for a point-to-point radio digital telecommunications system
“A reduction in the height or width of this mast would seriously reduce its effectiveness as a telecommunications mast, affect the range and quality of customer services and may require the erection of further structures in the area in order to maintain the communications links now in place. The nature of the terrain indicates that at least two if not three mast locations would be required to restore the current communications links”.
A decision is due on the application later month.