Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the absence of mandatory environmental assessments (AA Screening/NIS), a lack of robust technical justification for the mast height in an area with existing good coverage, and traffic safety concerns regarding sub-standard access onto a protected regional road.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to submit an Appropriate Assessment Screening or Natura Impact Statement to rule out significant effects on the Dundalk Bay SPA and SAC arising from the proposed culverting of a watercourse in a flood zone.
- A demonstrable technical need for the 25.5m structure was not established given the existing 'good' to 'very good' coverage in the area, rendering the proposal contrary to policies for orderly telecommunications development.
- The proposed development requires a new vehicular entrance on the R132 Protected Regional Road but failed to meet minimum sightline requirements or justify an exemption, thereby creating a potential traffic hazard.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 13.18.3Policy Objective MOV 56Policy Objective IU 41Table 7.9Table 7.10Section 13.16.17Table 13.13Policy NGB 6Policy NGB 37
Decision Document Summary
Towercom Limited sought permission for a 25.5m telecommunications lattice structure at the Eir Exchange in Ravensdale, Co. Louth, a site located within an Area of High Scenic Quality. Louth County Council refused the application because the developer failed to provide necessary environmental screenings for nearby Natura 2000 sites, failed to establish a robust justification for the mast's height in a well-served area, and proposed a site access on a protected regional road that did not meet mand...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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