Drumconrath residents opposed to ‘towering monstrosity’ mast

Eircom plan to build an 18-metre high tower has been met with an angry response

Plans by Eircom to erect an 18 metre high mast in the heart of Drumconrath village has been with met an angry response from local residents.

Fears have been expressed the health of schoolchildren, as it is close to the local school, and residents claim it will have a devastating visual impact on the village.

Meath County Council has sought further information from the company on the proposed development, which would be situated along the main street beside the community centre.

Eircom (trading as eir) had sought planning permission for the installation of an 18 metres monopole carrying antennas, a dish and associated ground-based equipment and cabinets.

The company has said it is designed to enhance mobile service in the area.

Local resident Francis Saul said people are very concerned about the health implications from radiation.

“The planning and development guidelines say that it should only be as a last resort that masts are located close to schools or residential areas.

“This is too close to the school and to houses. It beggars belief. We are surrounded by drumlin hills and the site is at the lowest point in the village. “It will be 18 metres high and the highest building in the village is the community centre, which is 10 metres high. “There already is a mast on Drumran Hill and guidelines strongly recommend co-locating masts.”

Gavin Byrne a member of the local Historical Society said it would be “a towering monstrosity in the middle of a rural village. “This mast will have a negative visual impact on the area,” he said.

Brigid Keelan said her house is right across the road from the proposed site. “It is a major worry for me. I am worried about radiation and it will be an eyesore every time I look out my front window, or go out the door. It will also affect house values.”

Cllr Michael Gallagher said the site is at the lowest location in the village alongside a small river in a flood zone. “In 2O11 this site was flooded with several foot of water.

“This mast will have serious visual impact on the landscape and a negative effect on the village.

“I am very disappointed that Eircom came with this application in the middle of the Covid lockdown.

“The lockdown has curtailed the local community in organising a strong campaign to opposed this mast. “We are not opposed to Eircom improving their communication equipment, but not at this site.

“There is a mast on a hill about a 1km away from the Eircom site. l am asking that Eircom co locate and share the existing equipment on that site.”

A spokesperson for Eircom said the company continues to invest in the upgrade and expansion of its mobile network across Ireland to enhance mobile voice and data (broadband) service for eir customers.

“Over the last year, eir has actively developed new sites to enhance and resolve mobile coverage blackspots across every county in Ireland.

“The development in Drumconrath village will form part of the eir mobile network designed to enhance mobile service in the area.”