Elected representatives stand together in opposing Mayo lakeside mast

Elected members of Castlebar Municipal District have outlined their opposition to a planning application by Eir to erect a mast within close proximity to the Lough Lannagh amenity in the town.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said the council has invested huge amounts of money in development the amenity, adding it would be "really sinful" to locate a mast beside it.

"The application should be rejected out of hand," he said.

Councillor Donna Sheridan agreed. She said Lough Lannagh is one of the locations in the town where a mast should never be erected.

Councillor Blackie Gavin said the council has a masterplan for Lough Lannagh - and "it should not be destroyed by a mast being built there."

Councillor Cyril Burke said there is no problem with existing telecommunications coverage in the Newport Road area - "so there is no established need for this mast at all."

Councillor Ger Deere supported his elected colleagues in their stand.

"There is a problem with coverage further out the Newport Road - but not where the mast is proposed."

The land on which the mast is earmarked is currently zoned as 'agriculture'.