WORK ON a 15-metre high communications mast in a west Kerry village was suspended yesterday after an overnight incident in which over 20 people interfered with the foundations to prevent further work being carried out.
The mast on an Eircom-owned site in Annascaul village is to form part of a national network providing secure digital radio services for the Garda and emergency services.
Gardaí were at the scene yesterday investigating the incident.
The protesters say they are worried about visual obtrusion and health and safety risks. However, Threefold, the company carrying out the installation work, said the centre village site was chosen because it offered “a secure location, both from prevention of unauthorised access and security of tenure” and said urban sites were needed for the new digital network, which is replacing the older, less secure system.
The Annascaul site was “an essential link in a national roll-out of NDRS (national digital radio service) equipment,” Threefold said.
Unlike commercial mobile phone networks, “the NDRS system requires specific geographic coverage to avoid communication blackspots that could prejudice the safety of individuals and communities or members of the emergency services. This is why this must often be located in urban environments,” a statement from the company said.
The mast was refused permission by Kerry County Council on grounds that the county development plan outlaws masts within 100 metres of buildings. However, An Bord Pleanála gave permission.
Yesterday Muriel Devane, a spokeswoman for residents opposed to the mast, said nobody expected the mast to go ahead at the selected location.
Talks were due to take place last night between Threefold and the residents.