Waterford community unite in opposition to mobile mast

A PROPOSAL by mobile phone company, O2 to erect a mobile phone mast on Coillte-owned land on the Comeragh Mountains in County Waterford, has united the local community in its opposition to it.

The 24-metre high mast would be located close to the Holy Year Cross, which has dominated that part of the mountain range at Ballinakill near Kilrossanty for almost half a century.

Locals are adamant that not only would the mast despoil the mountain range itself, but it would also ruin the scenic view of the cross.

Local county councillor Ger Barron said the O2 mast proposal is an issue “that has united the community like no other”, and with two masts already erected in the area, this third one would destroy the beauty of one of the county’s most treasured possessions, the Comeragh Mountains.

“Of even greater concern to the locals is the potential damage this mast will do to the scenic view of the Holy Year Cross,” said Cllr Barron. “The cross is a landmark not just for Kilrossanty, but for the entire county, and has great cultural and historical significance.”

“I have never seen so much opposition to a planning application,” Barron added.

His colleague, Cllr Tom Cunningham, said he takes a very poor view of the decision by Coillte to make available its land for the erection of the mast, while Cllr Mary Greene said the local opposition to the O2 mast proposal is total.

However, Waterford County Council’s director of planning and environment services, Denis McCarthy, said the council will take fully on board the views expressed by councillors and the local community. The council must adjudicate on the planning application.