Concern in Carnagat over 5G phone mast

MUCH concern has been raised regarding the introduction of a 5G telephone mast within the Carnagat housing estate, with the structure having already been the target of an arson attack.

In what appears to be a deliberate attempt to destroy the tower a fire was lit at a circuit box attached to underneath the structure which has been a source of worry for residents in the area.

One anonymous resident related their utter sense of bewilderment upon realising that the tower had been built in only a few short hours, stating that they believe those living within the housing estate were not made aware that the structure was going to be built close to homes and a green field in the area.

Middle of the Community

“People are in an absolute awful state over this. We knew absolutely nothing and we were not told one thing about it. No one wants this, who would want this in their back yard? This has to do with all of our people here. We are talking about a 5G tower right smack in the middle of a community. We never asked for it and there is not one person that I spoke to who is okay with this.

“They put it up last Monday. My son called me and told me to look out the window and I looked out the window and I could not believe what I was looking at. Apparently it was put up at 1pm during the day. I could not believe that this was on my doorstep and I was in shock.

“I spoke to my neighbours and we went up to the workmen who put it up to ask them about it.

“I told the workmen that we were not notified about this. It is a built up area, there are kids that play in the field the mast is in and they have been playing in this field for over 30 years. We have very little space for our kids to play in as is.”

Concern

To such an extent was the residents concern regarding the construction of the mast that they felt compelled to contact the planning department at the Newry, Mourne and Down District council.

“I contacted the planning department in the council and I asked them where it is they got the authority to do this and why it is we were not notified?

“I asked who authorised this, who made the decision to go on ahead with this and why didn't the council contact us? Why did we not get letters as I live less than 50 yards from it?”

Council response

When asked to provide a comment regarding the erection of the 5G mast in the Carnagat Housing Estate a spokesperson for The Newry Mourne and Down District Council advised that full details regarding the mast can be found online at the N.I planning portal.

“Newry, Mourne and Down District Council can advise that details on Planning Application LA07/2023/2091/F in relation to 5G mast at Carnagat Newry can be viewed on the planning portal https://planningregister.planningsystemni.gov.uk/application/666395.

“The Council followed due process and planning approval is in place.”