Traffic hazard sees east Mayo telecommunications mast plan rejected

TRAFFIC hazard has been cited in refusing plans for a new telecommunications structure in the Swinford area.

The 30-metre high structure was proposed to be installed at Liscottle, Swinford, by Phoenix Tower Ireland III Limited.

The site in question is accessed via a narrow agricultural laneway that exits onto the N5.

Some 70 submissions were received by Mayo County Council objecting to the proposal.

Concerns included adverse visual and landscape impact as well as the impact on residential amenity, wildlife, agriculture and biodoversity, and traffic safety at the exit on to national primary route.

The possible impact on the round tower, which dominates the local landscape, was also raised in the submissions.

It was submitted in one observation: 'The proposed mast would detract from the setting and appreciation of Meelick Round Tower, a nationally important monastic structure over 1,000 years old.

'The presence of a modern industrial mast in close proximity would seriously undermine the cultural, historical, and visual integrity of this significant heritage landmark, which forms an important part of the local identity and tourism value of the area.'

The applicants said site was proposed to provide mobile voice and data coverage in Claremorris-Swinford and surrounding wider area and to improve voice and broadband access to local residents and business users.

Three Ireland has a policy to co-locate into existing telecommunications structure where possible, that are located within the target area. No existing base station options were identified that could be shared or upgraded to provide the necessary coverage required.

Traffic hazard and the impact on public safety were the reasons given by planners in refusing permission.

They found that the proposed development would be at variance with national policy in relation to development involving access to national roads that would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard and obstruction of road users, would have a detrimental impact on the capacity, safety or operational efficiency of the national road network in the vicinity of the site, and was therefore contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.