GO AHEAD FOR CLAREGALWAY MAST

Date Published: 20-Mar-2012

Plans for a controversial phone mast in Claregalway have been given the go-ahead, subject to six conditions.

An Bord Pleanala has granted permission for the structure at Rooaunmore following an appeal lodged by local residents.

The application seeks permission for 9 additional antennae and 6 dishes, which residents feel would be unsightly in addition to the exisiting equipment.

They had lodged an appeal based on an argument that the mast goes against the objectives of the County Development Plan due to its location near a residential area.

An Bord Pleanala has now granted permission based on five conditions which the board says have regard to the provisions of the county development plan, the national strategy for broadband and communication services and the planning history of the site.