Decision due soon on planning permission for internet mast at Éire Óg GAA club

Carlow County Council are due to make a decision soon on the planning application to erect a 24 metre high monopole at Éire Óg GAA club in order to greatly improve local internet services. 

Vantage Towers Limited, one of Europe's leading telecommunications tower companies, submitted the application at the end of January of this year. The independent company was created by the Vodafone Group in 2020 and now owns 1,300 masts in Ireland. 

The company provides infrastructure for Vodafone as well as other operators and this specific project aims to address the network provider's requirement to "significantly improve" services over the catchment area by providing enhanced internet coverage, including the eventual provision of 5G services.

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The planning application seeks to replace the existing monopole at Éire Óg as the current structure is not able to accommodate new equipment due to deflection as a result of wind causing the pole to sway and lose signal across the network. 

The new monopole would be positioned on the eastern side of the central pitch on the GAA grounds, just a short distance from the existing structure. The application includes a telecommunications support structure with floodlights, antennas, dishes and any other associated equipment. On completion, the exiting structure would then be removed. 

An issue that can be raised with such structures is that they can be considered unsightly by some as the monopoles do need a clear line of sight and cannot be blocked in order to be able to provide coverage. However, the new monopole will not be any larger than the existing one and so there shouldn't be any major changes in this regard. 

As the demand continues to grow for 4G and 5G internet services, Vantage Towers have argued that this development is greatly needed for the people of Carlow to ensure high quality internet connectivity. 

Carlow County Council will make their decision on the application on Monday, 24 March.