Green light for phone system study

A MODERN, microwave phone system may provide a solution to telecommunications problems in Kerry’s Black Valley.

Communications Minister Noel Dempsey has given the go-ahead for a feasibility study to be carried out on whether a microwave service would be suitable.

At present, the valley, located in a mountainous area between Killarney and Kenmare, does not have mobile phone reception and the 70 residents are depending on a battery-operated Rurtel phone system, which has proved to be unreliable. The Rurtel system has been operating since 1990 and local people have been calling for its replacement for years.

Valley residents have been looking for a proper system for more than 30 years.

The Kerry County Development Plan bans the erection of telecommunications masts within a kilometre of residential buildings and this is seen by residents and local politicians as a major obstacle to providing a service.

Mobile phone companies, politicians and residents have called for an easing of the restrictions. At least two planning applications to erect masts close to the valley are being considered.