Confusion over location of 20m high structure
By Aimee Walsh
A PLANNING application for a 20-metre-high telecommunications structure in a Rathfarnham suburb has caused confusion amongst residents over its proposed location.
According to the planning application, Ontower Ireland Limited, submitted the application for a 20-metre-high multi-user telecommunications support structure with antennas and dishes with the location listed at Ballyroan Community & Youth Centre in Rathfarnham.
The proposed development is to replace an existing 12 metre decommissioned chimney flue with a telecommunications support to provide better wireless broadband in the area. According to the proposed plans, the structure will be enclosed within a shroud to match the existing chimney flue.
In a statement on their Facebook page, Ballyroan Community & Youth Centre (BCYC) say that the location listed is “an error” and they have written to the South Dublin County Council Planning Department to correct it.
Speaking to The Echo, Chair of Ballyroan Youth & Community Centre (BCYC) Keith Baker said that centre was not consulted on the proposed development or having the location listed on the planning application.
“We were not consulted on the proposed application. What is interesting is that BCYC is on South Dublin County Council land, but the telecommunications mast is actually proposed to be built on parish land, on the church grounds.
“It is nothing to do with us at all. They put the location down as BCYC but that is incorrect. It is actually on the area to the rear of the centre which is actually outside of the grounds of the community centre and part of the church grounds.”
According to documents attained from the planning permission application from May, Ballyroan Parish have given written consent to OnTower Ireland Ltd. for a “stealth mobile communications mast” on the Church of the Holy Spirit grounds.
The Butterfield Residents Association confirmed to The Echo that they are currently collating feedback from its members to make a submission to South Dublin County Council regarding the planning application.
Mr Baker says that there are multiple observations that the centre will be putting forward in response to the application: “One is the location that is stated which is incorrect and the second one is our concern around the location in the walkway itself.
“My understanding is that the base of the mast is 5 metres squared, so it will impact on that walkway that goes between the church and the library and the other observation is the height of the mast. It is very unclear in the planning application what is happening with the existing chimney.”
The Echo contacted Ballyroan Parish for a comment, but it was not received in time for print.
