Windfarm boss says TV viewers back in picture

THE general manager of a windfarm project on the Cork/Kerry border yesterday said he was confident that problems with TV reception in the area had been rectified.

People in the Kilgarvan, Glenflesk, Kenmare and Killorglin areas have been claiming that the 15-turbine wind farm, near Kilgarvan, is interfering with TV reception.

However, Tim Cowhig, of the South Western Services (SWS), said a report from RTÉ showed that 95% of the problem had been eliminated.

’There’s still a small pocket where work must be done and it will be done shortly,’ he said.

People in the Kilgarvan have threatened not to pay their TV licences unless reception is improved.

’Many people here have hardly reception for months. They’re missing out on their favourite programmes and on big matches,’ said Tom Randles, chairman of the Kilgarvan TV Action Group.

Meanwhile, An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a Vodafone telecommunications mast, near Clonkeen, Killarney.

The mast had been intended to improve mobile phone reception in the area.

However, the 24-metre tower and associated works would damage the natural beauty of the area, according to Bord Pleanála.

Another reason for turning down the application was that the proposed site was in a secondary special amenity area and would be contrary to the county development plan.

The application had previously been rejected by Kerry County Council as it contravened a rule in the development plan that bans such masts within a kilometre of residential buildings.