Council turns down application for new 20-metre mast at community centre

PLANS to replace a decommissioned chimney flue with a 20-metre-high telecommunications mast have been refused permission by South Dublin County Council.

Ontower Ireland Ltd applied for permission to replace an existing 12-metre decommissioned chimney flue at Ballyroan Community and Youth Centre on Marian Road in Rathfarnham.

This was to make way for a 20-metre multi-user telecommunications support structure to include antennas and dishes – all enclosed within a shroud to match the existing decommissioned chimney flue.

Proposals include two outdoor cabinets and associated site works as well as a new flue to replace the existing flue on an existing permitted building.

The purpose of the telecom-munications structure was to provide improved wireless broadband services in the surrounding Ballyroan area.

There were 16 submissions received by the council in relation to the proposed development, including from Ballyroan Men’s Shed, Ballyroan Community and Youth Centre and Glendoher and District Residents Association.

Both the Men’s Shed and community centre objected to the plans, and focused on potential health impacts in their letters.

In particular, Caroline Connolly, Childcare Coordinator at Cáirde in Ballyroan Community and Youth Centre, expressed concerns around the potential health impacts of radio waves in her objection.

“I am aware that more independent studies are required to measure the impact radio waves have on children’s growth and development,” Ms Connolly said.

“Without an independent health, environmental impact statement for this proposal for me to study in advance of the application to erect this mast, I request that the health and wellbeing of the children in my care and all the children and staff who use the playground be considered when looking at this application.”

Chairperson of Glendoher and District Residents Association, Angela O’Donoghue, also objected to the plans.

“We submit that the proposed development is within the curtilage of the Protected Structure and will visually impair the setting and character of the Church of the Holy Spirit,” the objection, which is signed by Ms O’Donoghue, reads.

It was on these grounds that the local planning authority refused permission.

The height of the proposed chimney at the subject site will have a “significant adverse visual impact” on the Ballyroan Parish Church, a Protected Structure, according to the council.

“The replacement chimney will be highly visable” and at 20-metres-high, “will diminish the overall visual amenity of the area” the letter refusing permission states.

The local planning authority

refused permission on November 11, 2021.