Cross 3G mast row

The National Broadband Scheme is in the process of being rolled out across the country by Hutchinson 3G Ireland Ltd and notices of intention to apply for planning permission to erect masts carrying antennas and dishes have been appearing in local papers including The Anglo-Celt. One such application in respect of the Crossreagh area, near Mullagh has now become the focus of the local community, who have stated this week that they are totally opposed to such a mast being erected on a hill, overlooking their homes and the school. The last day for comments and objections to be lodged with Cavan County Council was yesterday (Tuesday) and a number of the objectors confirmed that they had delivered files setting out their views to the local authority in relation to the planning application by Hutchinson 3G Ireland Ltd. The application is for the erection of a 15-metre high antenna support structure with three panel antennas and two dishes attached together with equipment cabinets, other associated equipment, fencing, proposed access track and associated site works with the development forming part of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). Local woman Sinead Fox told The Anglo-Celt this week that they were totally opposed to the erection of another mast and she suggested that 3G should be putting their antennas and dishes on one of the existing masts in the area. Ms. Fox said she was not sure if there was a cost factor involved when making the decision to go for a new structure, rather than co-location. Locals including many parents are very concerned about the erection of a mast on Crossreagh Hill, which is the highest in the area, within a few hundred yards of the school and even closer to some homes in the area. Sinead Fox added that apart from health fears they were also protesting on the grounds that such structures could well devalue property in the area. The mast will also be in close proximity to the community hall and the local GAA grounds. "We only heard about the extent of the proposals for the mast last week and if the community does not want it, why should it be imposed upon them?" asked Ms. Fox. Gerry Duffy said they moved down from Dublin seven years ago to get away from the smog in the city and all the masts that are there. "We found a nice location here in Cross and set up home here - we are bringing up a family. I do not want my son or future children growing up in close proximity to a mast and antennas, whom nobody can assure me 100 per cent that they do not emit dangerous microwaves. Why should I subject my children to that type of danger?" Mr. Duffy said he thought the policy in the county was to go for co-location. "I can stand on a hill here and see three or four masts in different directions - why not put these antennas and dishes on one of those?" he asked. He added that if the co-location policy is not adhered to in the main, there will soon be masts on hills all over the Drumlin county of Cavan. "The children will be living in homes around here with the masts towering over them and they will be exposed to whatever comes off them. Why should we inflict that upon them?" John Taite explained that it was his thinking that the Government wants to have up-to-date technology but put it in place in the cheapest manner possible. "They think they can walk over the ordinary person. They will stream roll this technology into areas like this, although I can already see three masts in different locations from the window of my home," he contended. Mr. Taite also wondered why there was a need for this mast when if cables carrying the internet already could be extended to the area. "I think the erection of these new masts is all to do with less cost and nothing to do with the fears of local community on health grounds," he said. Another local man Damien McCormack said that there is a lot of fear and anxiety in communities like Cross, that masts could be affecting their health. "That fear is there and we all have that fear. Do we want these masts on every hill in the county." A decision on the planning application is due to be made by Cavan County Council on October 27.