Concerns that phone mast will be erected by ‘stealth’

Concerns have been raised in Knocknacarra that a telecommunications mast which was refused planning permission last week will be erected ‘by stealth’.

It is understood that contractors moved onto the site last weekend, informing locals that a temporary mast was to be installed, just days after City Council planners refused permission for a new mast at Cappagh Road.

Vantage Towers sought permission to erect a 24-metre lattice mast at Feeney’s field after permission for the existing mast on the site expired one year ago.

The mast, which would have primarily served Vodafone, while also facilitating other networks as is required by the City Development Plan, was refused permission by the Council over concerns it would impact on the proposed route for the Galway City Ring Road – a route protected in the City Development Plan.

City planners also stated they were not satisfied that the proposed development would not impact negatively on the Galway Bay Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation.

The existing structure, which is disguised to look like a tree and is located not far from where the new mast was to be positioned, was to be dismantled and replaced as it was subject to an Enforcement Notice from the Council.

Local Councillor Donal Lyons (Ind) said there was a belief locally that efforts were underway to circumvent the planning process through the installation of a temporary structure.

“I have concerns that any such temporary structure would represent an unauthorised development and I have asked that the City Council send and enforcement officer to inspect the site to see are they trying to circumvent the planning laws,” said Cllr Lyons.

Meanwhile, works got underway last week to remove a concrete base for a mast that was set for installation at Drom Oir last year before the Council stepped in.

Unauthorised works were carried out at the site situated in the Knocknacarra estate in advance of a planning application that city planners ruled out in July of last year.

A warning letter was issued by Galway City Council to Eircom – the company behind the mast – in April 2022 seeking the removal of the unauthorised concrete foundation which was installed a year previously.

“The removal of this structure, which was a flagrant breach of the planning laws, is long overdue,” said Cllr Lyons.

(Photo: the existing mast, which is designed to look like a tree)