Fierce objections from residents against ‘monstrous ugly’ mast

PROPOSALS for an 18-metre telecommunications mast on public green space in Bluebell, has met fierce objection from residents, who say locating a “monstrous ugly infrastructure at the entrance to our community” is an “insult” to the area.

Cignal Infrastructure Ltd, a Cellnex company, have applied for a section 254 licence to place telecommunication infrastructure on a public verge on the Old Naas Road for Vodafone.

Section 254 licences have led to controversy in communities across the country, as they are not the same as regular planning permission, and there is little in the way of public consultation.

The licences are dealt with by local authority licensing as street furniture – the tables and chairs placed outside pubs and restaurants.

The licence evolved from Government desire to provide solutions for broadband/mobile coverage to major providers.

Residents gathered on the green space

Cignal has significant commercial relationships with each mobile network operator in the State namely Three, Vodafone and Meteor/Eir, in addition to radio, broadband and emergency communication service providers.

In Bluebell, residents are unhappy at the proposed location of the mast, believing there to be health risks involved, and have offered alternative sites for the mast.

Last year, residents in Kingswood, Tallaght, failed in their appeal to An Bord Pleanála, to prevent a 15-metre high telecommunications mast being erected by Cignal on public green space, beside the community tennis courts.

Kingswood residents say the first they knew about the mast was when it was erected on a Sunday morning in November 2020.

Mass opposition to Cignal 5G poles have also been reported in Cork and Wexford – the latter saw gardai called following a local protest to prevent workers installing a 5G mast beside a GAA pitch.

In March, the New Ross Standard reported that Rathgarogue-Cushinstown GAA Club, offered to pay back a €55,000 payment for allowing the mast on club property after mass local objections, but the offer was not accepted by Cignal at the time.

A planning statement by David Mulcahy Planning Consultants on behalf of Cignal for the Bluebell mast, says Vodafone are upgrading its network in Dublin and require a site at Old Naas Road.

Peter O’Neill, a member of the Bluebell Resident’s Association said residents are “totally opposed to this 5G mast” being “placed in our residential area”.

“This infrastructure is better suited to adjoining industrial areas where it’s visual ugliness would be better placed.

“The placing of this monstrous ugly infrastructure at the entrance to our community of Bluebell is an insult to us all who have pride in our area.

“Our community has fought for years for the removal of pylons from Bluebell.”

Mr O’Neill said the sign was only noticed after the closing date for observation and it was “not advertised or placed in a more public space like the shops”.

He also said residents have “serious health” concerns posed by the infrastructure.

Cllr Sophie Nicoullaud (Right to Change), said the location, lack of consultation, and manner in which the process operates is “disrespectful” to communities.

“This is one of the few green spaces left. Lots of housing is planned for the area, it needs to be attractive for people to make it inviting, which Bluebell is now.

“The area doesn’t need anything like that. We are using all the green space.

“In 10 years will there be any left,” she said.

In correspondence with Cllr Nicoullaud, Dublin City Council said as per their policy for Section 254 applications, the applicant is required to place a site notice at the proposed location, “which they have done”.

“The location of the site notice is adequate and is visible from the public road.”

Dublin City Council did say to Cllr Nicoullaud that they would extend the observation period for people to make submissions to Friday, May 13.

“They are happy to open it up until the end of the week, then it goes to the planning and the transport departments, and then they will make a recommendation to roads and maintenance,” said Cllr Nicoullaud.

The Echo understands telecoms company pay a minimal fee between €125 to €230 to lodge a Section 254 licence application requesting permission to install one of these masts.

Mr O’Neill questioned if there is any other fees involved, noting the recent case in Wexford.

Cllr Nicoullaud’s understanding from talking with council officials on Monday, was there is no additional fees involved, but she has questions over the value, if any, of a mast in this location for Bluebell.

“This is a private company, paying for another private company, to use this facility on public land.

“If you are not a Vodafone customer you get no service.

“There is no return for the community.

“Will they provide anything for the community? Dublin City Council need to be creative here.”

The Echo asked DCC if there is any fees involved in the mast for Bluebell.