Killadoon mast refusal welcomed

Killadoon mast refusal welcomed


Neill O’Neill

AN Bord Pleanála has upheld Mayo County Council’s decision not to grant planning permission to Eircom to erect a 15-metre support pole which was to carry three radio aerials – for use by the emergency services – together with associated equipment for a new national digital radio service at the Eircom exchange in Killadoon outside Louisburgh.
The national communications company had applied to erect the mast in February last year, but this was refused by Mayo County Council in July 2008 – a decision that was appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
Outlining its decision to refuse the appeal, the Board stated that the proposed development is in close proximity to significant archaeological features, in particular a standing stone. They state that the proposed development would seriously injure the archaeological amenity and detract from the historical and archaeological character of the area and, therefore, the mast would be contrary to proper planning and the sustainable development of the area.
One of the objectors to the proposed Killadoon mast was Westport’s Labour town councillor Keith Martin. He was one of seven parties who opposed the development and pointed out that Killadoon is an environmentally-sensitive area, and one of great historical and heritage value.
Cllr Martin also stated that the application by the phone company for the 15-metre mast should be refused as it would impinge on the integrity of the nearby ring fort and standing stones of Killadoon, and is in a Special Area of Conservation.
“I am delighted that An Bord Pleanála has turned this application down,” he said last week.
“The site was completely unsuitable and the mast would have been intrusive and unsightly. I hope that Eircom will now locate the mast in a more suitable location.”