Plans for replacement mast approaching Mayo island appealed

PLANS for a new telecommunications structure on the approach to Achill Island are under appeal with An Bord Pleanála.

Eircom propose to remove two existing telecommunication poles and to replace them with a new 18-metre monopole at the eir exchange on the R319 at Polranny, Achill Sound.

Mayo County Council granted permission but that decision has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

The case is due to be decided by the end of April.

A number of observations were received highlighting concerns relating to health, visual impact, proximity to residential buildings, the height and stability of the structure, and devaluation of property.

A planner's report noted how the two legacy monopole structures were to be replaced by a slimline contemporary structure. It would provide essential wireless broadband services to the rural, dispersed population, tourists and visitors, as well as business, schools and community buildings.

In its submissions, the company said without a site in Achill Sound the area would continue to have inadequate mobile voice and data services.

Removing the two existing structures would help declutter the landscape, reducing cumulative visual impacts.