Westmeath County Council have refused planning permission for a telecommunications mast near Athlone.
The application from Vantage Towers Limited sought the construction of an 18 metre high monopole mast holding antennae, dishes and other telecom equipment in Cloghanboy.
A submission from a different tower management company, Cellnex Ireland Limited, informed planners that sufficient space and upgrade capacity existed at the mast they opperate at the Athlone GAA Club.
In refusing the permission, Westmeath County Council stated that there was insufficient information to demonstrate the need for the infrastructure.
While another reason described in the planners report, stated that the location of the mast in such a prominent area would be 'a scar on the landscape' if permitted.
