Telecommunications mast decision is upheld by ABP

SOUTH Dublin County Council’s decision to refuse permission for a telecommunications mast at the Ballyroan Community and Youth Centre has been upheld by An Bord Pleanála.

Ontower Ireland Limited sought permission to replace an existing 12-metre decommissioned chimney flue with a 20-metre multi-user telecommunications support structure.

The structure was to include antennas and dishes, all enclosed within a shroud to match the existing decommissioned chimney flue.

Two outdoor cabinets and associated site works and a proposed new flue to replace an existing flue formed part of the plans.

It was noted in the application that the development would have provided improved wireless broadband services in the area.

South Dublin County Council refused permission for the structure on a number of grounds, including the view that it would result in “a significant adverse visual impact”.

“Such impact cannot be mitigated against in any way, therefore the scale of the visual impact is considered to be high,” stated the council in its decision.

“The replacement chimney will be highly visible at this location and can be viewed from all directions,

“The new 20m chimney will diminish the overall visual amenity of the area and will result in a direct significant adverse visual impact on the Protected Structure (Ballyroan Parish Church) and its setting.”

Ontower Ireland Limited went on to appeal this decision, however, this month, An Bord Pleanála ruled that it would uphold the council’s decision to refuse permission.

ABP upheld the decision on the grounds that the structure would “seriously injure the visual amenities of the area” and would “adversely affect” the character of the surrounding area.