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Residents protest over mobile mast

Thursday, 27 November 2008

RESIDENTS in Dublin 8 say they have serious concerns about proposals to install mobile phone communications equipment on an apartment block. Dublin City Council has already refused permission for an application to erect a mobile communications aerial extending to a height of 40m above ground level, located on top of a block of 28 apartments on Basin Lane. In addition, they want to erect a four-sided advertising structure for the exhibition of advertising on digital media screens located on top of the building, as well as a 3.4m high fibreglass pint glass shape advertising structure. In refusing permission for the mobile phone equipment, the city council said: “The proposed mobile aerial, by virtue of its location in a residential area and adjacent to existing school buildings, would be contrary to the provisions of the Dublin City Development Plan in respect of telecommunications antennae.” An Bord Pleanála is now considering the development after the applicants appealed the council’s decision. Vivienne Curran of Grand Canal Bank made a submission objecting to the application on behalf of a number of other residents. “Regarding the erection of the mast, we feel it may impose possible health risks and would only make way for additional masts in the area,” she said. “Regarding the erection of the advertising hoard and illuminated glass, we feel that they would appear to be very prominent and imposing.” Local People Before Profit campaigner Tina McVeigh said residents were concerned about the possible health effects of the telecommunications equipment. “There is a chance now that someone will get an opportunity to erect a phone mast, which we feel could pose serious health risks to children at three nearby schools,” she said. “The nearest school is St James’s SNS. The nearest classroom would be about 20 metres away from the mast.” The applicants could not be contacted for comment at time of going to press.