by Louise Doyle
THE Board of Management of a Castlefinn school has said the community feels “betrayed” by Donegal County Council after it granted planning permission for a telecommunications mast metres from the building.
Those at the helm of St Mary’s National School have lodged an objection to the go-ahead, warning that numerous families have informed them that they will remove their children from the school should the construction of the mast go ahead.
Permission was given to applicant On Tower Limited Ireland, subject to 11 conditions on October 5, for the erection of a 24 metre multi-user lattice type telecommunications support structure carrying antenna in Grahamsland, Castlefinn.
The development also comprises dishes enclosed within a 24m high palisade fenced compound, together with associated ground equipment cabinets, new access and gate, post and rail fencing and associated site works.
As part of the conditions set down, Donegal County Council said the transmitter output, antennae type and mounting configuration shall be in accordance with the details submitted.
Prior to the commencement of development, the applicant must supply the Irish Aviation Authority details of the mast coordinates and site elevation.
Furthermore, planting of thick hedgerow of native species, including gorse, black thorn shall be carried out around the site boundaries within the first planting season following completion of the construction works.
The planning permission was appealed to An Bord Pleanála on October 27, 2023.
A third party appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanála by Dominic McGlinchey on behalf of St Mary’s National School Board of Management.
In a written objection, the Board of Management said that having responsibility for 155 children, 12 teachers, five special needs assistants and three ancillary staff every decision they make is “in the best interest of our school community”.
“For generations, our school has used the Galley area of Grahamsland for nature walks, bird watching, collecting leaves, picking berries, sponsored walks, picnics and even releasing animals back into the wild.
“As a school community, we feel betrayed by our county council planning authority. A distance of 800 metres from the school is not an ideal location for a telecommunications mast especially when the Galley area is utilised by the school and wider community in all four seasons.”
They said they are concerned about the health and wellbeing of everyone in the school and community as “there is substantial evidence identifying the dangers of the emissions from the contents of these masts. We are also concerned about the increased traffic on the Hillhead road which becomes a single lane access long before the proposed site.”
The school Board of Management detailed how a student at the school has a rare condition known as Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP). It’s the only known case in Ireland. XP causes the skin to be extremely sensitive. There is currently no cure for the condition.
“There is evidence indicating that the emissions from telecommunication masts can impact up to 1.5 miles in distance and that children are seven times more susceptible than adults to these emissions.”
The Board of Management said they believed the telecommunication tower carrying mast will deter the school from using the area. Letters in support were also submitted by Tidy Towns, Castlefinn History Club, Robert Emmets and Castlefinn Celtic.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)