Church antennae proposal opposed

THE Bishop of Limerick is facing a revolt over a plan to place antennae on the spire of the city’s main cathedral.

The proposal to attach internet antennae to the spire of St John’s Cathedral has been criticised by a city councillor.

Limerick-based company Westlan Solutions wants to put four small antennae on the spire, which is the tallest in the country.

This will allow the firm to offer cheaper internet access rates than its competitors Esat and Eircom. The company approached the Limerick diocesan committee with the proposal six months ago.

It has lodged a planning application for the antennae and will need further approval from Bishop Donal Murray if this is granted.

However, Cllr John Gilligan is strongly opposing the plan. “If we allow this there’s no guarantee that there won’t be big masts put there soon,” he said.

A spokesperson for Bishop Murray said no agreement had been reached with Westlan.

“This is at a very early stage and it will have to go through many stages if it is to get the go-ahead and that’s by no means certain,” the spokesperson said.