2561838
for the erection of a 15 m telecommunications structure supporting 4 no. receiving dishes, dual bay cabinet on concrete foundation, palisade fence with access gate, concrete plinth, white stone compound ground finish, and all ancillary development works. The development is required to carry the broadband data from the new high speed fibre broadband network on the island to the mainland by radio link to connect to the NBI national fibre network as part of the government’s national broadband plan to provide high speed broadband to all parts of the country that are not available commercially, including the islands, at the same data speed. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and submitted in support of this planning application
Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to insufficient information regarding environmental impacts on a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), failure to justify the need for a new mast over co-location with existing infrastructure, and negative visual impacts on an iconic landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The planning authority was not satisfied that the development would not adversely affect the integrity and conservation objectives of the Inisheer Island SAC, particularly regarding the lack of detail for the proposed translocation of habitat.
- The applicant failed to provide adequate documentary evidence to demonstrate that co-location with the existing nearby telecommunications structure was non-feasible, leading to an unnecessary proliferation of masts in a sensitive area.
- The proposed 15m structure would result in a significant negative visual impact on the Class 4 Iconic landscape of Inis Oírr and lacked sufficient information regarding the nature and impact of the proposed access route.