This article is from page 16 of the 2006-01-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
THE ESB has lodged an appeal to An Bord Pleanala against a decision by Ennis Town Council to refuse planning permission for an 80 foot mast within the grounds of its Cahercalla More substation in Ennis.
The move by the ESB to appeal will cause concern to Ennis residents. An Bord Pleanala often overturns decisions made by local authorities in relation to telecommunications mast. The planned mast provoked widespread opposition from residents, who expressed concern over the health implications of the mast being so close to a residential area. It would also be in close proximity to Éire Óg GAA club.
The residents claimed: “The proposed development is totally and utterly out of character with any development in the area. The area is zoned commercial and not industrial. Therefore, the erection of the communications mast should not be considered. The proposed structure totally towers over any existing structure in the area.”
The council stated that it refused permission as the proposed development would be visually obtrusive in the area, would materially contravene Environment Policy 5 of the Ennis and Environs Development Plan and would seriously injure the amenities of the area and of property in the vicinity.
However, in their appeal, the ESB states: “The proposed structure is a slim line monopole structure that was specifically designed for use in urban industrial areas. We believe that using this structure the visual impact on the area will be nominal.” A decision is due on the appeal in April.