The erection of a mast which stands approximately 50 feet high has upset locals in the heart of Letterkenny.
The 4G mast was put up on council property at Dr McGinley Road in the Glencar area of the town.
Locals claim they were never consulted about the siting of the mast in a residential area.
They are now questioning any health implications the mast may pose.
Local county councillor Gerry McMonagle said he has been approached by locals whom he says are justifiably concerned about the mast.
The Sinn Fein politician said he has contacted Donegal County Council questioning why there was no consultation process for the mast and why no planning permission was sought in the area.
He told Donegal Daily “It’s a disgrace that locals were not consulted on this. This is a major development which poses all kinds of concerns for local people and it is their right that they are consulted.”
Cllr Gerry McMonagle
Cllr McMonagle was informed by the council that the mast was granted under a Sec 254 which means that planning permission does not need to be sought.
He has also been told the company behind the mast, Cygnal, will only be allowed to place two antennas on the mast.
The council also informed Cllr McMonagle that any breach of the license will mean it can be revoked by Donegal County Council.
The council has also reassured Cllr McMonagle that the mast will not become operational until the entire application has been reviewed by the council.
However, even more disturbing is an application to have ANOTHER mast erected on the Kilmacrennan road close to Letterkenny University Hospital.
Cllr McMonagle added “I have been informed that the mast is to improve the signal in the area but there have never been any complaints about the lack of signal in that area.
“This was pushed through with as little fuss as possible and the people most affected, the residents, knew nothing about it.
“It is not on and I will continue to pursue this until we get answers and reassurances on this matter.”
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