An Bord Pleanála has upheld the decision of Longford County Council in approving the construction of a telecom mast in Abbeyshrule.
Vantage Towers Ltd had been successful in their application to erect the 30 metre high lattice tower in May of last year. The plans called for the structure to support antennae, dishes and associated telecommunications equipment, with the development enclosed by security fencing. That permission was subsequently appealed to the higher planning authority, with local's arguing the development would damage biodiversity and was not in keeping with the rural nature of the area. The decision of local planners was upheld by the higher planning authority, with a number of revised conditions attached to the go ahead.
These include that the developer comply with all regulations in relation to aeronautical matters due to the close proximity of a local airfield.
