Core Refusal Reason
The proposed 18m monopole would seriously detract from the visual amenities of the historic town centre and the setting of Allingham Bridge (a Protected Structure), and the applicant failed to provide sufficient technical justification or evidence that the site represents a necessary 'last resort' for telecommunications infrastructure.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant did not provide sufficient technical data, such as coverage maps, to justify the site selection or demonstrate that alternative co-location opportunities were fully exhausted.
- Due to its height and prominent location, the structure would be a visually obtrusive feature that fails to integrate with the townscape and would negatively impact the character of the nearby Protected Structure and recreational areas.
- The proposal is contrary to the Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures Guidelines (1996) and specific heritage and siting policies in the Donegal County Development Plan 2018-2024 and Ballyshannon Local Area Plan.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy TC-P-3Policy TC-P-1Section 5.3Policy BY-TC-1Policy BY-TC-2Objective BY-EH-2Objective BY-EH-4Section 6.9.3
Decision Document Summary
This report assesses a first-party appeal by Eircom Ltd against the refusal of permission for an 18m high telecommunications monopole (19m overall height) at the Eir Exchange in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. The site is located in the town centre on a prominent position near a roundabout and approximately 50m from Allingham Bridge, a Protected Structure. The Inspector's primary concerns centered on visual impact and site selection justification. Although the applicant claimed the site was necessary...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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