This article is from page 14 of the 2006-03-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
A FAMILY say they are “terrified” that a mobile phone mast, to be erected near their house, will cause them serious health problems.
Fionnuala and Mike Casey of Lisheen Cross, Ballynacally, say they will have to leave their house and uproot their two children, if the 02 mast goes ahead.
The Caseys are among dozens of objectors to the proposed 50 ft high mast at Lisheen. Fifty six others, led by the Lisheen Mast Action Group, sent in objections, after a public meeting.
The Caseys, who live just 600 metres away from where the mast is to be erected, say they “hope and pray” it won’t be allowed.
“We are terrified that this mast will act as a trigger for ill health. As a family, we look after our health to the best of our ability, but we are convinced that living so near to a telecommunications mast will cause serious health problems for this family.
“We made this area our home and we had planned to live here for the rest of our lives, but if this structure is granted planning permission, we would be forced to uproot our two children and move to an area free from health risks.
“We hope and pray that common sense will prevail and that O2 Communications are not successful in their request”.
They also claim there’s no need for the mast and that it will slash the value of their property.
“There is not a problem with mobile phone coverage in the Lisheen, Ballynacally area so the erection of this structure is not essential to the development of telecommunication services. The fact that this mast is so close to our house will without a shadow of a doubt devalue our house, as we certainly would not buy property so close to a mast ourselves.”
The Caseys also express concern over the visual impact the mast will have on their lives, describing it as “alien to any other structure” in the area.
Green Party councillor, Brian Meaney, has also lodged an objection against the proposal.
“I am opposed to the mast because it is an area of scenic amenity and there are no proposals in the application lodge to camouflage the structure,” he told The Clare People . As a result, it will have a strident impact on the landscape,” he said.
A decision on the application is due next month.