Glasson residents gather to oppose 27-metre mast proposal

A planning application for a 27-metre telecommunications mast in the Glasson area has attracted significant opposition from local residents, who have been organising meetings in recent weeks to discuss their concerns about the plan.

The mast is being proposed for Pearsonsbrook, approximately a mile from Glasson village, with the planning application for it being lodged by Dublin-based On Tower Ireland Limited on May 21.

The planned site for the mast is situated just off a rural road and walkway, known locally as 'The Sweep', which connects Glasson village to nearby residential areas.

A group of locals opposed to the development first met a couple of weeks ago, in a gathering which was attended by a number of local councillors.

A follow-up meeting then took place on Tuesday last and was attended by Cllr Kevin 'Boxer' Moran. A number of signs opposing the mast have also been erected in the locality.

At the time of writing, on Monday afternoon, seven submissions objecting to the mast proposal were on currently on file on the council website.

It's understood that additional submissions from locals were to be submitted in advance of the submissions deadline, which was the close of business on Monday.

The submissions on file expressed a range of concerns about the project, including a lack of public consultation, the visual impact of the 27-metre structure, a questioning of the need for another communications mast in the area, and concern about possible health implications for those living close to it.

Submissions also pointed to the Government's 1996 planning guidelines for local authorities in relation to telecommunications antennae and support structures.

These guidelines state that planning authorities "should encourage co-location of antennae on existing support structures and masts", and that "only as a last resort should free-standing masts be located within or in the immediate surrounds of smaller towns or villages".

Local Fianna Fáil councillors Aengus O'Rourke and Frankie Keena also submitted written representations to the council in opposition to the mast proposal.

"An industrial scale tower rising to close to 100 feet, positioned in the heart of this rural location, could not be considered a reasonable or responsible development," stated Cllr O'Rourke.

"Such a development would greatly spoil the natural appeal of the area. The scale of this imposing industrial tower will be utterly out of place at this location."

Cllr Keena, meanwhile, said he felt the proposed suite was not suited to a communications mast as it was "on the highest point near the picturesque village of Glasson" and was in close proximity to a ring fort.

"In conclusion, I do feel that a more suitable site needs be found to provide these communication services in the area," wrote Cllr Keena.

Online and hard-copy petitions organised by local residents who are opposing the project have so far attracted in excess of 300 signatures in total.

In its planning application for the development, On Tower Limited included a letter of consent from a landowner, along with a letter of support from the telecommunications giant Three.

Westmeath County Council is due to make its decision on the planning application by July 15.