This article is from page 8 of the 2006-05-30 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
AN Bord Pleanála has granted permission for a 30-metre-high mast for the ESB at Knockanean, on the Tulla Road, Ennis.
They have cited, in their ruling, the decision to grant permission to another ESB mast at Cahercalla More, near the Eire Óg GAA grounds. That mast is at the centre of a major local controversy.
Noel Mulhaire who has campaigned against the erection of the ESB mast at Cahercalla More, said the latest decisions marked a worrying development.
In both cases, the planning appeals board over-ruled Clare County Council.
In the case of Cahercalla More, board members rejected the recommendation of their own inspector, who warned that granting permission would set a precedent for similar development in urban areas.
It has emerged that Ennis Town Council does not plan to seek a judicial review of the permission for the 80-metre mast at Cahercalla More.
In a bitter blow to campaigners, the council says that on foot of legal advice it will not pursue the review.
Objectors had hoped a legal challenge could be mounted as the proposal contravened Environmental Policy Five of the Ennis and Environs Development Plan.
But campaigners have vowed to fight the decision. They say the original notice of planning permission for the mast was invalid.
“We were particularly disappointed that Ennis Town Council didn’t take the case,” said Mr Mulhaire.
Locals will meet this week to discuss whether to mount their own costly legal challenge.
“It’s going to be costly but we are not going to stop fighting. We will get legal opinion, but funding is a major issue.
“The original planning permission for the mast was invalid.
“The notice went up at the site on June 3 (2005) and must be maintained for five weeks until July 8, but was taken down after three weeks.
“There are four letters dated July 6 on file with the planning office, pointing this out”.
Residents living close to Cahercalla strongly expressed fears the mast would pose a serious health risk to children living in the area.