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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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A proposed view of the mast in the planning documents
Plans have been lodged to erect a new telecommunications mast in Castletown to tackle coverage blackspots in the area.
Vodafone's Vantage Towers Limited submitted the application for the structure, which will have an overall height of 25.2 metres, to Laois County Council.
The application site is just off the R445 and is located within an established telecommunications compound in the rural townland of Aughafin.
The proposed development will involve the removal of the existing 15 metre high lattice telecommunications structure. A foundation pad 1.2 metres high will then be constructed on top of the existing foundation followed by the erection of a 24m lattice telecommunications support structure together with associated antennas and dishes. This replacement tower will result
in an overall height of 25.2 metres.
"This application immediately addresses Vodafone’s requirement to significantly improve services in the target catchment area of Castletown and the surrounding areas. The proposed structure will also improve 4G and 5G coverage over the local road network, particularly the R445," said the applicant.
"The current coverage deficiencies have significant and detrimental effects on the local community and those travelling across the area. A failure to grant permission would have an enduring negative effect on local mobile phone and broadband service provision, as expressed by the service users inability to connect wirelessly or to participate in high-speed, high-capacity data availability. Rectifying the above coverage issues can be achieved only through investment in a new communications structure with ample capacity and height."
The applicant said this infrastructure will help eliminate coverage blackspots and make a significant positive contribution to the benefit of residents, businesses, and social enterprises in the surrounding area as well as to the local road network.
A decision is due to be made by Council planners by January 8, 2025.
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