Mayo village mast decision is upheld on appeal

A grant of planning for a telecommunications mast in Breaffy, Castlebar, has been upheld by An Bord Pleanála.

Shared Access Ltd. was given the go-ahead by Mayo County Council for the 24-metre monopole structure to support telecommunications antennae for use by eir and other operators at Carrick Hill.

One objection was lodged with An Bord Pleanála. Among the issues raised were health concerns, visual impact, the proximity of the site to an ESB 110KV powerline, its location on a very busy road that is poorly aligned and close to a dangerous junction, as well as flooding.

The applicant highlighted how the operator is currently utilising the rooftop of Breaffy House Hotel site and is looking to vacate for increased height and improved coverage/technologies for the target area.

The site was not within a substantial settlement and the visual impact was deemed acceptable by the council. Its operation would involve only two to three maintenance visits per year.

The appeals board inspector found the development would not seriously injure property in the vicinity, or compromise road safety, or result in an unacceptable flood risk.