New eir phone masts “followed appropriate planning procedures”

The large masts erected on Cork’s northside over the weekend “followed all appropriate planning procedures”, according to the company who put them up.

Residents and councillors hit out at the large masts that were installed in Ardcullen and on Harbour View Road, Knocknaheeny, over the weekend.

Councillors in the area said there was a lack of information and public consultation surrounding the large masts and what they are for.

City Hall has since explained that the masts have been licensed for three years and were not tall enough to require full planning permission.

A spokesperson for Cellnex, the company behind the installation of the 12-metre masts, said: “Cellnex is actively working with the network operators addressing ‘blackspot’ coverage areas for both mobile communication as well as wireless broadband connectivity by deploying suitable infrastructure to support the delivery of these services for local residents and businesses.

“As part of this activity the vicinity around Ardcullen and Harbour View Road were identified as coverage blackspot areas by eir mobile,” he added.

“Cellnex subsequently applied for a licence to Cork City Council to deploy two 12m telecommunication street poles at these locations to allow eir mobile to provide improved mobile telecommunications connectivity in those areas.

“Cellnex was granted two licences to erect the telecommunication structures at both locations and is currently in the final stages of completing this installation.

“Cellnex has followed all the appropriate planning procedures and believes the work it is doing will benefit all of those living in the Ardcullen and Harbour View Road areas,” the spokesperson concluded.

Local councillors had hit out at the lack of communication on the installation.

Local councillor and former Lord Mayor, Tony Fitzgerald (FF), said: "Questions need to be answered relating to the construction of the two columns.

"I am very concerned and annoyed that there was no consultation with local residents and public reps.

"To me they don't look great and I'm concerned."

Fellow local councillor Thomas Gould (SF) said: “To me, there has been no consultation with the local councillors or community, not even the people in Ardcullen or on Harbour View Road.

“To come in and just drop them there is shocking. As far as I’m aware, there were no planning meetings or consultations.”