Mast granted planning on famous Kerry Way despite objections including ‘animal health’

An Bord Pleanala's Inspector said that it would not be 'visually intrusive' nor would it injuries the amenities of the area most namely on the popular Kerry Way walking route.

The Inspector also stated while it was a project for an Environmental Impact Assessment, a preliminary screening was not needed as it did not fall into this category.

It also upheld that it would not affect any Special Area of Conservation including Kenmare Bay

Cignal Infrastructure Ltd had been granted planning by Kerry County Council to erect the 30 metre telecommunications mast on Coillte Land at Lacka, Greenane, Templenoe, Kenmare. This will form part of Three Ireland Telecommunications network.

The local community appealed this decision including Andrea and Simon Collins, Xenia Bodler O'Sullivan and Michael O'Sullivan and Christina Doyle.

Among the concerns raised by those opposed to the development include concerns that it would be visible from the N70 Ring of Kerry road and that walkers on the Kerry Way would have to walk past the tower. They stated it would be a 'visible eyesore'.

They also rejected suggestions by the developer that more trees would be planting stated that this runs contrary to the suggestion that it is already surrounded by trees. They also argued there was adequate coverage in the region, therefore it was not necessary to install the mast.

Xenia Bodler O'Sullivan and Michael O'Sullivan who live and work close and run an Equine Centre nearby raised concerns about their equine stock.

"The appellants are concerned about the health and behaviour of their family and their equine stock and the children and special need adults they teach," the an Bord Pleánala report states.

Christina Doyle also raised animal health concerns as she keep horses nearby. She also raised concerns about wildlife in the area.

Concerns were also raised that the site notice of the planning was not visible to all and that the publication of the planning notice in The Star newspaper rather than The Kerryman with 'superior circulation' represents insufficient publication. However, this the Inspector was not case given as evidenced by the three submissions made.

The developer said all these concerns have been addressed and while they conceded it would be visible this is in keeping with guidelines and that if masts were refused for visual impact it would affect coverage. This mast, they said, is to rectify a communications blackspot.

The Inspector with An Bord Pleanála also stated that Three Ireland had demonstrated the need for such a mast.

The developer said health concerns were addressed in a statement of compliance with the International Commission on Non-Ionising radiation protection (ICNIRP)