2461508

for the installation of a 18-metre high lattice structure supporting 1 no. radio-link dish, a ground-level dual bay cabinet, palisade fence and gate, fibre chamber, concrete plinth and white stone compound ground finish. 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 application

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

Potential adverse impact on the integrity of the Inishbofin & Inishshark SAC due to the loss of Annex I habitat European dry heaths [4030], which contravenes the site's conservation objectives.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The proposed development is located within the Inishbofin & Inishshark SAC and would result in the loss of Annex I habitat European dry heaths [4030], which is contrary to the conservation objective to restore the habitat to a favourable condition.
  • The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence or a habitat survey to clarify the extent of habitat loss or demonstrate that the footprint of the tower foundation would not adversely affect the integrity of the Natura 2000 site.
  • Invoking the precautionary principle, the Planning Authority concluded that the proposal would materially contravene Policy Objectives NHB 1, 2, and 3 and DM Standard 50 of the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Chapter 7Chapter 15Policy Objective ICT 1Policy Objective ICT 3Policy Objective ICT 4Policy Objective ICT 5DM standard 42Policy NHB 1Objective DS 6Objective NHB 1Objective NHB 2Objective NHB 3Objective AFF 5DM Standard 40DM Standard 50

Decision Document Summary

NBI Infrastructure DAC proposed the installation of an 18-metre high lattice telecommunications structure and associated equipment at Middlequarter, Inishbofin, to provide high-speed broadband to the island. The site is located within the Inishbofin & Inishark Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and contains Annex I European Dry Heath habitat. Although the development was supported in principle by strategic ICT policies, it was refused because the proposed infrastructure would result in the direc...
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