Telecom mast rejected in Leitrim town for affecting its ‘special character’
A 15-metre telecom mast proposed for Mohill was refused by Leitrim County Council, which cited its adverse impact on the town’s special character and visual amenity.
A planning application for a telecommunications mast in South Leitrim has been refused on the grounds that it would adversely affect the special character and visual amenity of the area.
The application, submitted in May 2025, sought the construction of telecommunications infrastructure comprised of a 15-metre monopole in Mohill, alongside antennas, a dish, and associated equipment, together with a new ground-level equipment cabinet and all associated site works.
The proposed development was to be located at Eir Exchange, Main Street Upper, Mohill. The application was refused by Leitrim County Council on March 5.
The reason given by the Council for the refusal noted that even though the proposed site is close to existing telecommunications infrastructure, “it is a policy of the Council to ensure the preservation of the special character of any designated Architectural Conservation Area (ACA).”
The reasoning stated that it is considered that the proposed development, if permitted, would adversely impact on the special character of the Mohill ACA by virtue of its location within the ACA and in close proximity to a number of structures of architectural conservation value, and its adverse visual impact on this receiving environment.
It also noted that if allowed, the development would contravene Policy ACA POL 1 of the Leitrim County Development Plan 2023–2029.
“Accordingly, it is considered that the proposed development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” the reason concluded.
The proposed development had also received submissions against it from Friends of the Irish Environment, opposing the construction of the mast and quoting Section 4.3 of the guidelines in relation to visual impact, which states that “Only as a last resort should free-standing masts be located within or in the immediate surrounds of smaller towns or villages.”