Planners under fire over Mayo broadband structure decision

COUNCIL planners have come under fire for denying up to 1,000 broadband customers in central Mayo an improved service.

It comes after the rejection of an application by National Broadband Ireland to confirm that a proposed structure in Manulla is exempt from planning.

The structure, said Councillor Al McDonnell, would have enhanced broadband reception for up to 1,000 people.

Across the country, 95 previous application by NBI were found to be exempt, so there was optimism that this would be inevitable.

Speaking at a municipal meeting, Councillor McDonnell said the structure is 'modest'.

The original access was from the N60, which planners said represented a health and safety risk due to potentially increased traffic.

The councillor understood there would be a maximum of five visits to the site each year, and the operators had offered an alternative access point through farmland.

He declared the refusal as 'astonishing' and said the decision needed to be investigated.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne suggested the matter be referred to the department and the minister.

“It beggars belief,” said Councillor Ger Deere. There have been protests about masts but this was like a portacabin.

“People are crying out for broadband,” he said.

Mayo County Council has an obligation to support NBI in rolling out broadband, said Councillor Martin McLoughlin.

“If the grass grew around this you wouldn't even see it,” he noted about the structure proposed.

“This development would be of huge benefit to the community. This needs to be rectified,” he added.

Members were told the applicant can appeal the matter to An Bord Pleanála.