Tipperary County Council reject planning permission for telecommunications tower

Tipperary County Council has rejected Hibernian Cellular Networks Ltd.'s bid to erect a 36-meter telecommunications tower in Mellisson, Glengoole South, Thurles, County Tipperary.

The tower was to be set within a fenced compound, accessible through the familiar entrance on the L-6617 road (a local public road).

READ ALSO: Decision for Planning Exemption for the IPAS centre at Dundrum House Hotel expected by May

Upon reviewing the application, the Planning Authority noted limited evidence demonstrating the necessity of the mast, as the area currently has coverage. This lack of clear necessity was cited as the principal reason for refusal. The Authority further observed that, even if a need were present, the applicant did not assess alternative locations or consider sharing existing towers. In the absence of these measures, the proposal does not meet the planning standards or align with local development criteria.

Twenty-one local residents submitted concerns about the project. The primary issues raised related to potential impacts on the scenic quality and visual character of the Slieveardagh Hills and neighbouring areas, as Glengoole is a disadvantaged rural area experiencing a declining population and a demographic shift towards an ageing population, which places the local primary school on the DEIS progamme due to the level of socio-economic disadvantages that are currently being experienced in the area.

This site previously had a planning application for wind turbines (South Tipperary County Council 05/9), which An Bord Pleanála refused on 13 December 2005.

Hibernian Cellular Networks Ltd can submit an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

READ ALSO: Seamus Healy calls for more Garda in South Tipperary highlighting public safety