Residents in bid to block erection of 5G telecoms mast

Concerned residents in Laytown have launched a campaign to stop "an eyesore" telecommunications mast from being erected next to a protected structure.

A proposed 24-metre monopole at Laytown train station providing 5G network services was given the green light by Meath Co Council in August to improve internet speeds and connectivity in the area.

However, locals are objecting to the proposed site of the mast, claiming that it would be a visual blight due to its location at the very centre of the village next to a protected Victorian station building in close proximity to the beach.

On Tower Ireland Limited lodged a planning application for a new 24-metre high monopole telecommunications support structure carrying antennas, dishes, associated equipment, ground-based equipment cabinets, fencing and all associated site development works for high-speed wireless data and broadband services "in the curtilage of a protected structure."

Residents have strongly opposed the plans and the Laytown Mast Action Group recently lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanala against the giant 79-foot pole.

"The enormous mast on an elevated setting 11 meters above sea level would be a complete eyesore to our beautiful, historical, picturesque seaside village," said local resident Theresa Kerins.

"It is a special area of conservation around the River Nanny so it will also interfere with the wildlife," she added.

The action group say they are concerned about the findings of an independent report by a heritage consultant who carried on-site inspection in relation to the Meath Co Council protected Victorian station building near where the proposed mast be would be placed. Anu Heritage carried out the inspection in support of the groups appeal.

"It found that the soil underneath is shale and it is quite brittle so the building would be very fragile," said Theresa.

"Most of those buildings were constructed in the mid to late 1800s including the viaduct bridge over the river.

"The proposed site is very close to the track, god forbid if there was an accident or a train came off a track, it doesn't bear to think what could happen."

Fellow Laytown resident Brian Stack pointed out that 1996 Guidelines on Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures state that only as a last resort should free-standing masts be located within or in the immediate surrounds of smaller towns or villages.

"There are numerous peer reviewed studies throughout the world to show the serious detrimental effects of these masts and they are being marched out all at the same time throughout the country with no official up to date studies," he said.

"It is terribly unfortunate that the internet of all things is taking precedence over the well being of people," he added.

In May of this year residents in Inse Bay came out in force to protest at a similar monopole mast that was installed outside their housing estate without public consultation.

Cathaoirleach of the Laytown-Bettystown Municipal District, Cllr Stephen McKee says the location is "unsuitable," he added:

"The mast, if constructed at that location, will be an intrusion onto local properties and residents who live close to the proposed location.

"The proposed development would be located beside the Station Master’s House at Laytown Train Station and close to Laytown Viaduct, both recorded as Protected Structures by Meath Co Council. If permitted, the proposed development would significantly detract from the aforementioned structures, adversely impact upon their setting and character and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

"Local residents recognise and accept that we need telecommunications infrastructure and so do I. More careful consideration of where to locate the infrastructure is the issue, as was the case outside Inse Bay," concluded McKee.

Fianna Fail Cllr Tom Behan said: "Residents are very concerned about this mast, it is in close proximity to a lot of houses. It’s a protected area, it’s right beside a special area of conservation, is that the thing we want to at the entrance into the village? Obviously we want services delivered but is there a better location for it that won’t be as intrusive to residents and won’t be as intrusive on protected views and special areas of conservation."

Meath Co Council has been approached for comment.

An Bord Pleanala has been contacted for comment.