Wednesday 15 August 2007

Bord Pleanála rejects RTÉ’s appeal for mast in scenic area

A PLAN by RTÉ to build a 24-metre mast in a scenic part of the Dingle Peninsula has been rejected on the grounds it would interfere with the natural beauty of the area.


An Bord Pleanála has turned down an appeal against a previous decision by Kerry County Council to refuse planning permission for the mast.

The national broadcaster was proposing to erect the mast near Camp on the main N86, the An Daingean/Tralee road.

The appeals’ board suggested that a suitable alternative site could be found for the single pole mast.

RTÉ Transmission Network Ltd said the plan was to upgrade its service to digital and the mast needed a large quantity of equipment to operate both radio and television. The structure would enable broadband, telecommunications and tetra operators to share it.

While acknowledging the need to improve communications and broadcasting services, Bord Pleanála planning inspector Nicholas Hammans said the available evidence did not show a need to locate the necessary equipment on “this exceptionally sensitive and harmful site”.

Irish Examiner

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