Telecoms mast given green light near scenic Laois village

Laois County Council has granted planning permission for a 24m telecommunications mast in the townland of Morette despite concerns from local residents over potential health implications and the effect on the natural beauty of the area. 

Vantage Towers Limited applied for permission for the structure along with a 1.2 metre high raised foundation, associated antennas and dishes at the site which is 2.2km south of Emo. The company has also been granted permission to remove the existing 15 metre mast and replace it with the bigger structure. 

Four objections were received from residents all with addresses of Dublin Road, Morette, Emo - Maureen Keegan, Miriam Keegan, William Keegan and John Keegan. 

In their submissions they raised similar concerns about the structure's impact on the natural beauty of the area. 

"For 30 years the neighbourhood has been dominated by the 15m telecommunications tower which has become an industrial blemish on what was a serene area. The proposed expansion to 24m threatens to intensify the disruption overshadowing the natural beauty of the surroundings," said Maureen Keegan. 

They also raised concerns about how the proposal threatens to reduce property values significantly. It was pointed out that the tower is uniquely positioned at the entrance of a residential property. 

Concerns were raised about how the increased traffic from construction and maintenance will introduce congestion and safety risks on an already busy road. 

The objections argued that the family is exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) daily and the health implications of this on nearby residents. 

In his submission John Keegan claimed Vantage Towers Limited had not demonstrated sufficient exploration of alternative solutions such as relocating the tower to a less residential area or upgrading the existing infrastructure with advanced technology. 

Maureen Keegan said expanding the infrastructure is 'unjustifiable' given the adverse consequences it would impose on the community.

The applicant outlined that to provide sufficient 4G services to a wider area a new structure with the increased height is required. A Technical Justification for the development was submitted to the local authority and these documents indicate that the proposed development is required by Vodafone. They said this is due to inadequate infrastructure in the wider area and the need to fulfil current and future demand as the area has a deficiency in 4G and 5G coverage. It is further stated  that the proposed development and particularly the increased height of the infrastructure on  site will rectify coverage issues, substantially improving 4G and 5G connectivity.

Laois County Council granted planning permission with eleven conditions attached.