North Mayo mast decision overturned on appeal

PLANS for a 36-metre multi-user telecommunications mast at Knockanillaun, Ballina, have been approved by An Bord Pleanála.

This overturns the decision of Mayo County Council who refused Hibernian Cellular Networks Ltd's application.

The council felt that having regard to the site being on an open exposed and visually prominent site close to the national secondary road the N59, the development would constitute a visually strident feature that would be seriously injurious to the visual amenities of the area.

An appeals board inspector found that the project was acceptable, subject to a number of conditions, a finding the board agreed with, granting permission.