I have been contacted by the residents of Mountnugent in County Cavan, who are shocked and concerned by plans by Eir to erect a 12 m mast in the centre of the village. There has been no communication or consultation with local people. Mountnugent is a beautiful village, but if a mast is constructed there it will totally dominate it. As one local said to me, it will become known as the village with the mast.

Eir was refused planning permission for a mast on this site around 20 years ago. It is now trying to install a mast at this location ensuring it is under the height required for planning permission. However, the reasons planning was refused 20 years ago still apply. A mast that is 12 m or 40 ft high will be a total eyesore in the village. People also have health concerns about a structure like this being so close to residential areas and a school. There is already a telecommunications mast belonging to another company about a mile out the road, which provides good coverage for the community. Eir has the option to see if it could also use that mast, or whether there is enough open space in the vicinity of the village to erect a mast which will not impose an effect on it. Can masts in the centre of villages and towns be banned?

The overall development plan is a matter for the local county council. Obviously, the streetscape and aesthetic quality of any town or village is important. That should be reflected in the local area development plan. I do not know the specifics of this case, but one needs to balance the necessity for communications and people who want connectivity, with the aesthetics, streetscape and how a village or town looks.