5G mast receives approval despite residents concerns

PROPOSALS to construct a 5G telecommunications mast in the Carrickbracken business park on the Camlough Road have received planning approval despite ongoing concerns of residents in nearby Bessbrook.

The mast, which when completed will be 30 meters in height, is scheduled to be constructed within the premises of the business park and when finished will provide reliable 5G mobile network coverage throughout Bessbrook, Camlough and the wider south Armagh area.

5G technology uses radiofrequency electromagnetic energy to communicate between mobile phones and base stations.

Whilst there are many within the area that welcome the construction of the mast, a number of residents within the village of Bessbrook have voiced their concerns with regards the long-term impact the presence of the mast may have on the inhabitants of the area.

One resident explained that their objection to the construction of the structure derives not from the fact that that it is a telecommunications tower, but the fact that it is going to be situated within such a close proximity to their place of residence.

"Planning approval for the mast was acquired about a month ago. It is going to be 30 meters tall and it is going to be one of the largest in the area.

"I have been speaking to different people who live in close proximity to the mast. It is not a case that they oppose the construction of the 5G mast itself but they are opposed to the location where the mast is going to be constructed in the Carrickbracken business park."

"The mast will be constructed in close proximity to not only our houses but also to our schools, creches and a local GAA club.

“ I just cannot understand how approval for the construction of the mast was ever signed off. Now that approval for the construction of the mast has been acquired, I am starting to panic to the point where if the mast is constructed, I would consider moving house and taking the children away from the area. I don't really want to do this because I am happy where I am.

"Like I said I have two young children and I am definitely concerned for their wellbeing. My youngest son would attend the creche in the area, and this would be close to the area where they are proposing to build the mast. "

When the planning application for the construction of the mast was first applied for a petition in protest to its construction which was circulated through the village and received multiple signatures.

"There is a housing estate in close proximity to Carrickbracken with 26 houses and there was a petition sent around and I believe every single one of the residents in these houses had signed the petition to say that they opposed the construction of the mast.

“ I live just slightly further away from the area where they are proposing to build the mast but both I and my next-door neighbour would have the same view as myself. In the particular location where they are proposing to construct the mast there is 3 and 4G service"

Another resident, who also asked not to be identified, cited the fact that with the new 5G mast, which is set to be constructed only a short distance behind their own residence, did not want to be used as the "guinea pig" to determine what affects, if any, the structure will have on themselves and their family.

"We tried a number of different avenues to voice our concerns but no one seems to have taken us that seriously."

"Our main frustration with is that we live in such close proximity to the area where they are proposing to build the mast and we received no previous correspondence to let us know that the mast was going to be built there.

It is only because of the fact that someone came across it online that we know about it. We receive a letter for a proposed walking track around Crarriccruppen football club, but we didn't receive a letter to inform us about this matter.

"We are opposed to the construction of the mast because of the safety aspect of it. It will be 30 meters tall and it is literally behind our house. I don't think there has been enough research carried out into the effects that living in close proximity to a 5g mast can have and we don't want to be used as the Guinie pig. I don't think there is enough known about it and we are very much in the dark about this.

“Why not build this mast up a mountain where there are not as many houses, schools, businesses and football clubs?"

The Newry Democrat contacted the planning agent involved in the application to construct the 5G telecommunications mast within the Carrickbracken business park regarding the concerns of residents. We have yet to receive a response at the time of this paper going to print.