Proposed Quigley's Point mast at centre of An Bord Pleanála battle between companies

An Bord Pleanála will deliberate on a case involving two of Ireland’s largest telecommunications infrastructure providers and a proposed structure in Quigley’s Point.

Towercom Ltd has appealed a decision of Donegal County Council to grant On Tower Ireland Ltd planning permission for works at Tromaty, Quigley's Point.

On Tower Ireland Ltd is proposing to install a a 21-metre lattice telecommunications antennae support structure.

The proposed structure would carry antennas supported by crucifix solution, dish, remote radio units, together with ground based equipment cabinets, mini pillar, gantry poles, gps beacon, palisade fencing, concrete foundation and all associated site development works.

They say that this structure would “provide for high-speed wireless data and broadband services”.

The application, which was lodged in December, was granted conditional planning permission in March.

In mid-April, Towercom Ltd, with an address at Usher House, Main Street, Dundrum, Dublin 14, submitted an appeal to the planning body.

“Towercom manage an existing telecommunications portfolio in Ireland and facilitate the co- location of multi-operator infrastructure to a wide range of clients including national mobile operators, national and local broadband providers, national broadcasters and national and local emergency services for both the public and private sector,” it said in a submission.

“With this service, Towercom reduce the demand and proliferation of telecommunications structures throughout the country.”

The company says it completed the construction of an 18-metre telecommunications support structure in May 2023 at the Eir Exchange in Quigley's Point, which is just 275 away from On Town Ltd’s proposed development.

Towercom says that its structure has potential for site sharing and co-location for telecommunications equipment “and will be made available to all interested parties”.

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It says that its current mast can be extended, subject to a full planning application.