2151599

CONSTRUCTION OF A 25 METER ARTIFICAL PINE TREE, MULTI-USER TELECOMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT STRUCTURE SOLUTION CARRYING TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT, TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT AND CABINETS ENCLOSED WITHIN A 2.4M PALISADE FENCE COMPOUND WITH ACCESS TRACK. A NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT (NIS) ACCOMPANIES THIS APPLICATION

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The proposed development is located within an area of Especially High Scenic Amenity (EHSA) and fails to comply with policies TC-P-3 and TC-P-6 of the Donegal County Development Plan 2018-2024, as it has not been sufficiently demonstrated that special conditions or a robust technical justification exist to permit a new telecommunications mast in this highly sensitive landscape.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The development would contravene specific policies of the Donegal County Development Plan (TC-P-3 and TC-P-6) that strictly control or preclude new telecommunications structures within Areas of Especially High Scenic Amenity (EHSA).
  • The applicant failed to provide a comprehensive assessment of alternative sites or a sufficiently robust technical justification to warrant an exception for a new mast in such a sensitive, high-value landscape.
  • The proposed mitigation measures, including the 'artificial tree' design and forestry management, were not adequately defined or assessed to prove they would prevent the 25m structure from being a discordant, prominent element in the panoramic setting.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Policy TC-P-3Policy TC-P-6Policy NH-P-6Policy NH-O-4Policy NH-O-5Policy NH-O-7Policy TC-O-1Policy TC-O-2Policy TC-O-3Policy TC-O-6Policy NH-P-7Policy NH-P-13Policy NH-P-17Policy NH-P-14

Decision Document Summary

The application by Cignal Infrastructure Ltd sought permission for a 25-meter 'artificial pine tree' telecommunications structure in a Coillte plantation at Devlin/Barr/Ballyconnell, Co. Donegal. The site is situated in a sparsely populated, high-amenity area characterized by Muckish Mountain and proximity to Glenveagh National Park, designated as an Area of Especially High Scenic Amenity (EHSA). While the applicant argued that the structure would address a 'blackspot' in 3G/4G/5G coverage and t...
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