This article is from page 6 of the 2011-04-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
THE ESB has lodged an appeal against one element of Ennis Town Council’s decision to retain a 24-metre high communications mast at St Flannan’s Drive, Ennis.
Last month, the council granted permission to retain the freestanding monopole type communications structure, carrying antennae and communication dishes, within a 2.4m high palisade compound.
The council also granted permission to attach additional antennae and communication dishes to allow for future third party co-location at ESB’s existing Cahercalla 38kV substation, St Flannan’s Drive, Cahercalla More, Ennis.
An Bord Pleanála previously granted permission for the mast in 2006, which was the subject of intense opposition from local residents and a judicial review.
In granting permission to the ESB, the council imposed a number of conditions.
In their decision, the council state, “This permission shall be valid for a period of five years from the date of the final grant. On expiry of that period the mast shall be removed and the site reinstated unless its continued use or a revised structure is allowed by reason of a future planning permission.”
The council also says that “In the event of the proposed and antennae becoming obsolete and being de- commissioned, the developers shall at their own expense, remove the mast and antennae and return the site to its original condition.”
The decision was also granted on the basis that “The developer shall provide and make available, on reasonable terms, the proposed mast for the provision of mobile telecommunications antennae of third party licensed mobile telecommunications operators.”
In total the decision was granted subject to six conditions. The council adds that “Within two months of the final grant of retention permission the developer shall pay a contribution of € 6,293 to Ennis Town Council (Planning Authority) in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting the development.”
An ESB spokesperson confirmed yesterday that ESB telecoms had lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála against “one condition attached to the grant”.
She added that the ESB was not appealing the “overall substance” of the council’s decision. A decision on the appeal is due in August.