Residents' fury over 18m high telecoms mast installed between Navan housing estates without consultation

Residents of a number of Navan estates came out this morning to demonstrate their anger over the installation of a towering telecoms mast last week without any consultation or warning.

The 18m-high telecommunications mast was erected on Tuesday at the entrance to Blackcastle Demense estate and in close to proximity to a number of other estates including Fitzherbert Court, Bru na hAbhainn, St Ercs Villas and Boyne Valley Estate.

Residents reacted with shock and disbelief that the mast would be permitted to be erected in a residential area and without any consultation or chance to object.

The first they knew about the mast was when it began to go up on Tuesday. There had been some ground works but they thought it could be to do with broadband and had no idea what was coming.

They say apart from the visual impact on houses, some of which are looking directly out at it, they feel it is a distraction for drivers.

A number of residents have also claimed that their Saorview TV signals have been lost since the mast was erected.

Local resident Gary Clynch pointed out it is located within 100m of a bus stop, pedestrian crossing and two junctions.

What has particularly infuriated residents is that there was no public consultation and no opportunity to object before the mast went up.

Fiitzherbert court resident Colm MCKenna told the Chronicle he was "stunned" to see it go so quickly "without anyone knowing about it or being informed about it."

Permission was granted by Meath County Council by way of a section 254 licence to Shared Access Ltd on 27th March last.

This section was originally intended for the likes of street furniture, advertising structures, cables or wires for example and permits certain electronic infrastructure such as a telephone pole or cabinet.

However, there is a view that this section is being exploited to apply for tall communications masts.

It is only afterwards- when the mast is in situ- that there is a chance to appeal to An Coimisiun Pleanala and residents plan to lodge an appeal.

Resdidents who spoke to the Meath Chronicle on Saturday morning say the mast is an eyesore and will also have detrimental effect on property prices. They have vowed to appeal the erection of the mast and want its immediate removal.

More on this story in Tuesday's paper.