Legal challenge ahead for Leitrim community over proposed telecom mast

The Kinlough Mast Action Group have decided to take the next step in opposing the installation of a second telecommunications mast near the local primary school by seeking a judicial review.

The north Leitrim group, comprised of parents and community members, has been raising concerns about the proposed 24 metre mast for several years.

Vantage Towers plans to place the mast just 170 metres away from Four Masters National School. According to the Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures, the siting of free-standing telecommunication masts in or near smaller towns and villages should only be considered as a last resort, after all alternative options have been explored. 

The same guidelines also state that locating such masts beside schools should be avoided unless no other options are available.

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A judicial review – a process by which the High Court can oversee decisions made by tribunals, courts or public bodies – can cost tens of thousands of euros.

To help cover the legal expenses, the Kinlough Mast Action Group has launched a fundraising campaign through iDonate, with a target of €30,000.

In March, a community meeting was held in Kinlough Community Centre to discuss potential next steps, including persuading the landowner to halt the development or pursuing a judicial review.

The meeting was attended by several councillors, local business people, staff from the primary school and a large group of concerned residents.

Spokesperson for the group and well known businessman Noel McGowan, alongside Karol Warnock previously pursued a judicial review. In May 2024, the court ruled in their favour after An Bord Pleanála conceded that it had failed to consider Leitrim County Council’s submission.

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Subsequently, an inspector from An Bord Pleanála assessed the site and recommended refusing permission, mainly due to the mast’s visual impact. This recommendation was overturned, and planning permission was ultimately granted.

The proposed development has faced strong local opposition. When the mast went to planning in September 2023, 130 submissions were lodged against it.

Chief concerns raised by the community include its visual impact and fears over potential environmental and health risks, particularly for children.

However, health concerns alone don’t constitute valid grounds for refusal. In Ireland, An Bord Pleanála, local councils and Government agencies do not consider potential health risks from mobile phone mast radiation when making planning decisions.

“We live in an area of outstanding natural beauty and this will destroy the place where we live,” a spokesperson wrote on iDonate.

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“Your contribution will be very much appreciated and all monies collected will be recorded in a fully transparent manner.”

The judicial review has yet to be scheduled, but it may take place in late summer. More than €3,000 has been raised so far toward the €30,000 target.

Additional information can be found on the fundraising page here.

A visual showing the proposed location of the mast.