‘Overbearing and incongruous’ broadband mast in Quigley's Point refused planning

A 22-metre mast to provide high-speed broadband for Quigley’s Point has been rejected by Donegal County Council due to it being “overbearing and incongruous.”

Towercom Limited had sought to increase the height of its existing structure by four metres. 

The company constructed an 18m telecommunications support structure at the Eir Exchange adjacent to Millbrae Park in Quigley’s Point in May 2023. They had sought permission to extend the monopole structure by four metres to incorporate additional antennas and a dish, resulting in an overall height of 22 metres.

In the first application to build the structure four years ago, planning was sought to remove the existing structure of 13m and replace it with a 22.5m telecommunications structure. Donegal County Council refused planning due to it being “overbearing and incongruous” in a residential area. 

In an appeal to An Bord Pleanála, the decision was overturned and planning was granted subject to seven conditions. These included that the structure wouldn't breach an overall height of 19.5m.

Joseph Doherty submitted an objection to the current proposal on behalf of the Millbrae Park Residents Association, whose members live adjacent to the telecommunications structure. In his observation, Mr Doherty noted that the planning authority and An Bord Pleanála outlined in the previous application how a 22m mast could have a visual impact on residents. 

“We note that the visual impact of the current proposal is represented by photomontages, which are from uncharacteristically screened locations and none of which represent the impact on visual amenities for residents. However, there have been no material changes in the locality which would mitigate against the visual impact of this current application, which has already been judged to be overbearing and unacceptable.”

Just as they had done previously, Donegal County Council refused planning permission due to the visual disturbance the structure would cause. 

“On the basis that the proposed mast with its extended height would, by virtue of height and form, be an overbearing and incongruous structure within the immediate vicinity of the site, which consists mostly of residential properties, it is considered that to grant permission would seriously injure the amenities of property in the vicinity.”

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Meanwhile, a similar application by On Tower Ireland Ltd to install a 21-metre lattice telecommunications antenna support structure in Quigleys Point was granted permission in February this year. An objection to the proposal in the townland of Tromaty was submitted by Towercom Limited. 

The company said in its objection that it is situated just 275m northwest of the On Tower proposed structure. In their submission, they asked Donegal County Council to take on-board when considering On Tower’s proposal, that the potential for site sharing and co-location for telecommunications equipment would be made available to all interested parties at their structure. Towercom also added that its structure is capable of being extended in height to accommodate additional equipment. 

Following on from On Tower Ireland being granted permission, Towercom has appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála.