This article is from page 14 of the 2009-08-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
PLANNING permission to Hutch- inson 3G to construct a 120 ft high mast on Woodcock Hill near Cratloe has been refused due to fears that it would endanger or interfere with the safety of aircraft and pose a risk of a major accident taking place.
In making the decision, Clare County Council took into account an objection lodged against the develop- ment by the Irish Aviation Authority (CFV.
Earlier this year, Hutchinson 3G lodged plans for the development. The site is to provide broadband cov- erage in the residential areas, com- mercial premises and traffic routes around Sixmilebridge.
The six radio dishes on the mast were also required to connect with National Broadband Scheme sites in the west of Ireland.
In its decision, the council stated that it is considered that the proposed development would endanger or in- terfere with the safety of aircraft or the safe and efficient navigation and would pose a risk of a major accident occurring.
The proposed development is there-
fore contrary to the proper planning and development of the area
In its submission, Tom Cooney of the IAA Corporate Affairs stated that the proposed structure — which is 710 metres from Woodcock Hill Radar – will adversely affect the pro- pogation of signals trasmitted and received by Woodcock Hill radar.
He said: “The existing mast struc- tures on Woodcock Hill already in- troduce significant azimuth errors. Locating this mast at the proposed site will exacerbate an already sub- standard situation.
He added: “It 1s the opinion of the [AA that this structure will adversely impact on the operation of our Wood- cock Hill radar. Accordingly, we recommend that the council refuse planning permission for the mast.”
Hutchinson 3G told the council that the site will be the main transmission link for national broadband sites in the western region with six radio link dishes proposed.
Hutchinson stated that the appli- cation clearly demonstrates that the proposed development is required as part of the rollout of the broadband network under the National Broad- band Scheme.