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Fury over mast plan

Wednesday, 21 October 2009

LOCAL residents and schools in Dublin 15 are furious over a sports club’s controversial revenue-generating idea to erect communication antennae on its property. The communities of Sheepmore and Blakestown are outraged that St Peregrine’s GAA club are considering the move, especially given the proximity of the property to national schools. However, the cash-strapped club say that at least e10,000 could be generated annually from each company that uses the antennae. Debbie Dawnay, chair of Sheepmore Residents’ Association, said the majority of homeowners in the area are vehemently opposed to the move. “This club and these recreational grounds are not appropriate for telecommunications antennae for commercial gain,” she told Northside People. “The mast would be in breach of the council’s guidelines which have a 200-metre radius mast-free zones in the vicinity of schools. “The club is within 100 metres of the cartilage of Blakestown Community School and in close proximity to St Philip’s and St Mary’s National Schools. “The school and all those who live near the club could be at risk of the potential dangers attached to these type of antennae. “Although one might argue that there isn’t enough evidence to identify the health risk, there also isn’t enough evidence to say these masts are completely safe.” Ms Dawnay explained how the club’s plans only recently came to light. “Somebody in the club recently let it slip that its members had voted in favour of erecting masts for money,” she stated. “Since then we’ve organised our own public meeting and I’ve been handing out flyers notifying people of the club’s plan. “People are overwhelmingly against it.” Local councillor Matt Waine (SP) said the proposed erection of masts or antennae in close proximity to schools could not be considered “precautionary, sensible or safe”. “The reality is that no one can vouch for the safety of these phone masts,” he said. “There is a lot of evidence that says that they do not pose serious health risks. However, there is also a lot of evidence that contradicts that. “Surely the sensible thing is to be precautionary when siting phone masts.” Cllr Waine and his party colleague, Cllr Ruth Coppinger, are calling on the club not to erect masts on its premises. Cllr Coppinger sad that if the mast proposal was advanced, she would be requesting the council to defer a recent land lease deal involving the club. Ray Smyth of St Peregrine’s confirmed that club members had recently voted in favour of considering the “idea” of erecting phone antennae. “A number of members in the club are looking into alternative sources of income for the club to help us cover our costs,” he told Northside People. “In order for the club to consider the idea of erecting antennae we first had to get the approval of our members at a special general meeting, which was held recently. “We are in discussions with a number of companies such as Meteor but the talks will not proceed without the appropriate consultation with the wider community. “We are consulting with the local residents and the local schools in the area and we are waiting to get all their views before we make a decision on the matter. “The potential revenue that can be generated would be in the region of e10,00 per year which would increase if there were more than one company using the antennae. “It’s my understanding that it would be an aerial mounted on the roof, maybe around one and a half metres high.” Mr Smith emphasised that if the club proceeded any further with the plan, the club would adhere by all planning guidelines. “It was never our intention to proceed or fast-track anything without going through the full rigors of the planning laws which people could make formal objections to,” he stated. “We are also very mindful of the views of the community so we would have to weigh up the potential revenue generated compared to other less controversial means of making money for the club. “We are part of the community and the community are part of us so we rely on their support.” He added: “We are a voluntary organisation working with the children so we would have the children’s welfare as our priority.” Mr Smith said the club’s executive committee would meet again next week to discuss the matter further.