An Bord Pleanála gives go-ahead for controversial telecommunication mast in Rosslare Strand

An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for the building of a controversial 18 metre telecommunication mast in the seaside village of Rosslare, following an appeal by residents concerned about the proximity of the development to local housing estates, the visual impact and long-term health risks.

Wexford County Council granted permission with conditions to Eir in March 2021, despite objections from 40 residents and a petition, outlining a case against it. 

The case was appealed to An Bord Pleanála which has given the go-ahead with revised conditions, having regard to the national strategy on the improvement of mobile communications services and the policy of the Wexford Development Plan along with the established use of the site, where there has been a communications installation for over 20 years and the potential for sharing of the structure with other operators.

The Board considered that the development would not seriously injure the visual or residential amenities of the area, would not be prejudicial to public health and would be in accordance with proper planning.

Among the conditions of planning is that the site must be landscaped in order to screen the development and assimilate it into the surrounding rural landscape.

Before work starts, details of the proposed colour scheme of the installation, must be agreed in writing with the planning authority and no advertising signage is to be erected on the road.

One of the objectors described the decision as “very disappointing” and said that while the mast may  bring faster broadband and improve phone reception locally, the long-term health implications from electromagnetic radiation fields have been overlooked.