Shared Access Limited has submitted a planning application for the erection of a 24-meter-height steel lattice telecommunications at Orchardstown Farm, Orchardstown in Butlerstown Co. Waterford.
Residents have raised concerns over the plans, with a meeting due to take place tonight at 8:00 P: M in the Fr. Rufus Halleyh Hall.
Chair of the local group opposing the plan, Tim O'Bryne, told WLR News there is growing concern among local residents.
"We can see there is planning submitted for the erection of a 24-meter-high telecommunication mast. It will be installed in the heart of the parish, which will entail nine antennas and 4 dishes. Residents are concerned about this mast and what it would mean for us. We have a meeting tonight which will be our fourth meeting to see what submissions need to be made in objection to this mast."
Included as part of the project is the proposed construction of a new concrete pad foundation, together with the installation of nine antennas, four transmission dishes, and ancillary telecommunications equipment and all associated site works. A number of meetings of concerned local residents have already taken place.
Tim continued, "The Waterford City and County development plan 2020-2028 states that our natural environment would be protected. By erecting the mast, we feel it is going against this plan. One of the main concerns would be the risk to health. Regarding the castle, there are ruins of a medieval tower built in 1248. It's a historical building. If this was in Waterford City like the old walls, it would be protected by now. This is one of the most historical sites in the country."
Among the issues raised were possible health risks, the impact on flora and fauna and local agriculture as well as the proposed mast's proximity to the local national school and playschool.
Tim continued, "In fact, we have to dig in the area to provide the ground base for this mast, and we don't know what we are going to unearth there. It's in the old orchard area, where Orchardstown gets its name from.
"Also in the tower, is a habitat of bats which are protected under national law and EU legislation. The impact of radiation from telecommunications is detrimental, and has a huge impact on wildlife, which is a form of environmental pollution."
The closing date for submissions in relation to the planning application is July 17th.
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