A new telecommunications mast is scheduled to be built in Ramelton by the end of the year.
Cellnex Telecom Ireland has announced that works will begin shortly on the 30ft infrastructure at a site near Drummonaghan Woods.
The telecoms mast will improve phone and broadband connectivity for the village, with improved mobile, voice and broadband services on the horizon.
The mast has been a contentious subject in recent years. A community-led campaign took place in 2019 to oppose the development over concerns about its impact on the local environment. The Ramelton Mast Action Group held a petition against the granting of planning permission for the unit.
Planning permission was granted by both Donegal County Council and An Bord Pleanala in 2019 and 2020.
“This infrastructure will benefit the people of Ramelton, and I want to personally assure the local community that the works and future operation of this infrastructure will be as least invasive as possible,” said Colin Cunningham, Managing Director of Cellnex Ireland.
Following the completion of works, expected before the end of the year, the mast will be available to host services from network operators Three and Vodafone.
Mr Cunningham said: “The continued development of infrastructure is vital for rural community growth and development. Covid-19 and the events of the last 12 months have laid bare the inherent need for connectivity, both for businesses but also at a social and community level.”
Cellnex Ireland acquired Cignal in 2019 to become Ireland’s largest telecoms infrastructure provider. Along with the recent project in Glenvar, Cellnex has spent €800,000 delivering 9 new sites across Co Donegal over the last 4 years. The company plans to invest a further €600,000 in the county over the coming years.
