EIRCOM LTD have lodged plans with Clare County Council for a new 21m telecommunications tower at Eir Exchange, Shannon Airport.
The telecoms provider made the application for the structure and the removal of an existing 15m tower at the site on June 26th.
An application was made to the local authority last week, seeking permission for the construction of “telecommunications infrastructure comprised of; a 21 metre monopole support structure carrying antennas, dishes and associated telecommunications equipment, together with new ground level equipment cabinets and all associated site works at Eir Exchange, Shannon Airport”.
The site is located on the grounds of Shannon Airport “to the southeast of the airport terminal main building and northwest of the roundabout junction with the N19 national route”. Towercom Ireland, acting as agents for Eircom state that the development is required “in order to provide the level of service for a critical national strategic asset, the subject site at Shannon Airport requires the introduction of enhanced Vodafone 4G and new 5G services”.
The planning application reports that the proposed development would be in line with several national strategic plans including the ‘Project Ireland 2040’ plan which highlights that “in the information age, telecommunications networks play a crucial role in enabling social and economic activity”.
Plans for the proposed development also fall under the National Development Plan 2021-2030 which recognises that “a digitally connected Ireland will enhance our competitiveness, enabling more quality jobs in both urban and rural communities, and providing an improved quality of life for citizens and communities across the country”.
An appropriate assessment screening report carried out on the site found that the proposed development could have little environmental impact, being that it is located in a heavily built up and industrialised area.
The present 15m monopole consists of aging Vodafone infrastructure that must be upgraded in order to provide better 4G and 5G telecommunications coverage to the area.
A structural report included in the application by a Mr Sean Bradley explains the requirements for the upgraded pole, noting that “This modern equipment is larger and requires a support structure that is both structurally capable and also conforms with safe standards for access. The existing monopole is a low-capacity structure that is not designed for additional equipment or rigger climbing and as such is no longer fit for purpose with the codes and best practices of today”.
Clare County Council will make a decision on the proposed development by the 20th of August. Submissions can be made to the local authority until July 30th.
