*The current mast on Drewsboro Rd.
PLANS to replace a 30m high telecommunications mast will bring 5G coverage to Scariff, a new planning application has stated.
Vantage Towers, a former subsidiary of Vodafone, have lodged plans to replace the mast on Drewsboro Road.
Previously a subsidiary of Vodafone from 2021 to 2023, the companu is headquartered in Dusseldorf and owns and operates 82,000 towers across 10 countries. It owns 1300 masts in Ireland alone, providing infrastructure for telecommunications operators throughout the country.
This application is part of Vantage’s obligation to swap out aging telecoms structures with a replacement structure of a superior quality.
In their planning application, Vantage stated that “The current structure is aged and requires an upgrade via a swap out to a structure of equal height, more refined and slimline in appearance, yet with greater structural capacity that will enable current occupiers to deploy their respective licensed technologies”.
The current tower is used by companies such as Vodafone and eir to provide communications in the area. “Failure to progress this installation in the planned location negatively impacts Vodafone networks, leaving customers in the area with reduced voice and data mobile service”. They also pledged that the project would substantially improve mobile services in the area, as well as improving services along the local road network. Eir mobile and Vodafone have issued separate letters in support of the development as part of the application.
There are potential for environmental objections due to the proposed development’s location along the R352, which is described as “a scenic route that runs through Scariff ”.
In response to this, Vantage Towers outlined “The structure is intermittently visible as one approaches from the south, and less so when approaching from the north. In both events the structure does not meaningfully impact on the amenity value of the scenic route”.
Vantage Towers have cited the National Broadband Plan, National Development Plan and Clare County Development Plan as justification for the development as they feel it would have a positive impact on communications in the area.
The planning department will decide on the development by the August 2nd with submissions accepted until July 12th.
