A planning application has been lodged for the extension of a telecoms mast in Raphoe to enhance the area’s 5G coverage.
Towercom Ltd has asked Donegal County Council for the go ahead to build a 24 metre structure with antennas, dishes and associated equipment at Mullafin, Mongorry Hill.
An existing 18 metre mast will be removed in the process.
The Dublin-headquartered company says that as things stand, the demand for new technologies and communication services is not being met.
“There is currently ‘no’ 5G Vodafone coverage in the local and surround area,” says Towercom.
“The local and surrounding area only experiences ‘fair’ 5G eir coverage. Current customer demand is not being met and significant upgrade in infrastructure is required to rectify this.
“Without ‘very good’ 5G coverage the local and extended community are being denied access to cutting edge information and communications technology.
“It is imperative that local businesses, residents and surrounding areas benefit from ‘very good’ 5G coverage in order that they have the capacity to access the best information and communication technology.
“This is essential so that local residents and people living in the surrounding area have the option to work from home, businesses can run efficiently and students can access cutting edge information and communications services.”
Towercom does point out that there are other masts already on-site and that its proposed structure will form part of an “established communications mast complex”.
While its plans will add an extra six metres to the existing tower, the company says the extension will not be “significantly intrusive” to the local landscape as there are already tall mature trees, shrubs and bushes surrounding the compound.
inadequate
Towercom adds, “Vodafone, eir and Tetra’s current service provision in the local area is inadequate. It requires fit for purpose supporting infrastructure from which to transmit.
“The existing infrastructure is no longer capable of accommodating Vodafone, eir and Tetra’s coverage requirements and consequently new telecommunications infrastructure is required.
“Covid-19 has also highlighted the need to create a reliable, high-speed broadband network throughout Ireland. Since remote working has become the norm, it is vital that local areas have access to high-quality broadband.”
Donegal County Council will deliver its verdict on the application on February 15.
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