25/02/2025
Anyone wishing to object to an annual granting of a Section 254 licence for the yet to be erected telecommunications mast proposed at Filbuckstown should email [email protected] before 28th February. Its proximity to Colaiste Cois Siuire and Scoil Mhuire Senior Campus as well as many residential dwellings in Filbuckstown and Mooncoin Heights is a significant concern. This mast was previously objected to by the Council yet An Bord Pleanala saw fit to approve its granting. See link below.
https://www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/case/311598
See draft wording below if you wish to use it.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to formally object to the annual granting of a Section 254 licence for the telecommunications mast proposed at Filbuckstown, Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny, under Planning Register Reference S.254.94.
Grounds for Objection
• Local Environmental and Public Health Concerns:
The proposed 18-meter mast poses potential risks to public health due to electromagnetic emissions, particularly given its proximity to schools and residential areas. These risks have not been adequately addressed or communicated to the local community.
Additionally, Condition 6 of the An Bord Pleanála approval requires compliance with surface water drainage regulations, but there has been no transparency regarding how this will be achieved. Poor drainage could have adverse effects on local ecosystems and water quality.
• Impact on Local Amenities and Visual Landscape:
The mast, with its height and required obstacle lighting, will significantly alter the character of the local landscape, particularly along the N24, a key transport corridor and gateway to the area. This visual intrusion undermines the council’s responsibility to protect local amenities as outlined in the Kilkenny County Development Plan 2021–2027.
• Use of Council-Owned Land:
As the proposed mast is to be constructed on council-owned land, I respectfully request clarification regarding whether consent for this use has been formally granted. The use of public land for a private commercial development of this nature requires robust justification, including a clear demonstration of the public benefit and compliance with all relevant regulations. I also urge the council to consider whether the decision to grant such consent was made transparently and in consultation with the local community.
• Failure to Address Cumulative Impacts:
There is no evidence that the cumulative environmental impacts of this and other telecommunications developments in the area have been assessed. This omission conflicts with obligations under EU Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation.
Request for Action
In light of the above concerns, I respectfully request:
• That Kilkenny County Council does not renew the annual licence for this development.
• That the council provides transparency regarding the decision to permit the use of council-owned land for this purpose, including any public consultations or impact assessments conducted.
• That the council conducts a comprehensive review of the environmental and public health implications of this development, including its cumulative impacts, before issuing any further licences.
I urge Kilkenny County Council to uphold its responsibility to protect the interests of the local community, environment, and public health. I look forward to your response and would be grateful for a detailed explanation of how my concerns will be addressed.
Yours sincerely,
_________________
N24, Filbuckstown, Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny
